Thanks, but I was just sharing my thoughts. Really looking forward to Halloween again. It is my favorite holiday.

Hey now, gotta slow down time a bit there. :) Looking forward to that too but Christmas first and foremost, and a loooong stretch of days before the New Year after that, so much to do before those new beginnings...

Christmas has been here since November 1st. All the songs on the radio and decorations in the store. Halloween never gets as much respect. I will keep supporting it.

And yet Halloween was just a day before it... we're not quite that early over here. Usually Christmas starts for real around the end of November; we always put up decorations the first Sunday in December. Like it should be.

Then again we don't celebrate Halloween at all sooo it's all on NG.

Christmas has become an endlessly hungry holiday that keeps chewing up the calendar as it goes. No other holiday lasts for almost two months.It is just ridiculous.

What? Why don't you celebrate Halloween?

Not really no. The commercial sector keeps trying to pick up on the event for sales, but it's not a traditionally Swedish thing at all. Apart from the rare costume party we don't really do anything special that one day, no pumpkin carvings or decorations overall, nothing in school either. Technically the Swedish equivalent is All Hallow's Eve, the second of November, when everyone used to light candles to guide the dead. Not so much of that either now though.

I keep forgetting That Halloween is an American invention. It does make sense that Europe and Sweden would not celebrate it.

That really sucks. I guess Swedish people are more serious, and don't like to be silly.

That sounds fun. Do you have a party and dress up for that?

Well at least you're not forgetting there's a world outside the US too. ;) Some people do!

it's amazing how widespread American culture is these days though. All over the world.

Yeah... we are kinda serious! Not in mind but: how we live.

Nope, just candles and contemplation. Serious stuff, you know. XD Though it's not that much of a tradition either these days. Most people don't do anything this time of year.

I try to embrace other nations outside of the USA. I always try to ask lots of questions about how they do stuff.

Yes, American is awesome and most people want to be like us.

You guys are all serious and stuff. You don't seem to laugh much. Maybe it all the cold weather?

Sweden needs a party day. Where you can all act silly and dance. Maybe grill outside and eat hot dogs and hamburgers. Wear a silly hat.

Was thinking more along the lines of: it really is the zenith of the commercial world, you've mastered the art of commercialism and propaganda and you're taking over. ;) But yes, you do have some good stuff too! And optimism.

The cold, the dark, the dystopian (yet cozy too) winter world... it's possible. :)

Well Midsummer is a pretty party-heavy season over here, silly hats included. XD Soon as the sun's out I guess we're really not so serious after all. Definitely a cultural stigma that sticks a bit though.

The USA has mastered big business and advertising. I guess that is the same as commercialism and propaganda. lol

Is it Winter all year round? How long is your Summer?

That is what I am talking about. What type of silly hats do you wear?

Pretty much yeah. XD

Well it depends on the region, generally winter lasts 3-4 months, but up North it's more like 5-6, and at the Southmost point it's never really winter. Spring and autumn each last 1-2 months, so on a good year ca 3-4 months summer.

Hmmmmm me personally none, but

The USA makes the entire world better a little bit at a time.

Six months of Winter would be crazy. At least, you can make snowmen and go sledding. Three months of summer is not bad at all.

Those hats do look very silly.

It's that yearly trial we all go through, and then: time to really relish the summer we get. :) Least it makes us all the more appreciative.

Yes. XD A bit too much so to wear them, IMO...

Do you really like the snow and cold? Would you rather live someplace warm?

Maybe a little to silly to wear everyday. Definitely at least one day a year.

Would definitely rather live someplace warm.

Would you wield a hat like that, voluntarily...?

You should move to the USA. You would love it here.

I guess. It would depend on what I was drinking or otherwise doing. lol

I have actually considered it, but everything about the place seems so expensive otherwise. And no safety net if something goes wrong. That's one major comfort with this place.

And cultural differences. Stuff.Would be fun to visit though.

Haha, yeah enough of the drink and who knows how it goes.

Prices are cheap in Sweden? What type of safety net do you have?

You know it. Just make sure that you never drink before Posting on NewGrounds. lol

Well not cheap, but compared to living expenses in the US in particular I'd think so. There's a limit on how much you have to spend on medial bills, for example, before the rest is covered by grants/state. You don't really get sued here. Insurance isn't crazy expensive. School is free. University too. Things like that.

In regard to rent and regular material wealth I think it's all pretty similar.

Might regret that, yeah. :) Definitely no drinks on here. Need all the focus you can get too.

Whoops. That edit/reply switch-up is apparently not really sinking in...

It sounds like life is much better over there. Everything is the USA costs money. Classes, parking, College in general is one giant expense. They force you to have car insurance. Ugh

Prices here can go crazy all depending on the location.

You need to be sober to do your best on NewGroiunds.

No worries, You will get the hang of it sooner or later. lol

Ah parking's expensive here too, but just owning a car is expensive enough that the people who can't afford it stick to public transport. ;) Insurance is obligatory too. As is a paid yearly check-up and service every X miles. Cuts down on traffic accidents pretty well, but cars overall are a luxury over here. Still, most people have 'em. Just not as early. You don't get your first car until you have a job and all.

Indeed.

Indeed!

Maybe I have now. XD Made at least a couple accidental replies after this too though... still doesn't feel like the optimal button placement after this switch...