REMEMBER when Halloween lasted for just one night – October 31? You had just enough time to indulge in a spot of apple-bobbing or knock-and-run before it was all over and All Saints Day was here.
Now, just like Christmas, it seems to have grown into a month-long celebration of spookiness.
For example, early last week a colleague announced she had already been "Halloween shopping".
"Shopping? For Halloween?" I spluttered. And then realised I sounded like a Peter Kay "garlic bread" sketch.
Not that I'm really complaining. I've always been partial to good old-fashioned gothic horror or the odd ghost story so the more the merrier – or should that be scarier – as far as I am concerned.
Now, because Halloween seems to run from mid-October to early November, there are more events than ever vying for our leisure time when it comes to planning days – or nights – out, and few put on a better show than the theme park on our doorstep, Alton Towers.
Every year, it transforms itself with Scarefest, featuring Jack o'lanterns galore and a host of spooky characters. And, because it's a family attraction, you can guarantee the frights come with a big dollop of humour, too.
And theme park fans join in with fervour. During my visit I saw hundreds dressed as witches, film character Beetlejuice, skeletons and zombies – some of the make-up has to be seen to be believed – to get into the mood. Alton Towers welcomes their efforts; all it asks is that there are no masks.
This year's Scarefest – the eighth – began last Saturday and runs until Sunday, November 2. Anyone who has visited during the summer will find all the big rides only now they're open even later – until 9pm.
Even though we all like to think of ourselves as grown-ups now, our family of four still love rollercoasters, especially the G-forces of Rita Queen of Speed, stomach-churning Oblivion and the latest addition to the family, the Smiler, with more twists and turns than what Blackadder might have called "a twisty-turny day". They're great in the daytime but in the dark they're even better.
Not scary enough for you? Okay, so try finding your way out of the maze that is the Terror of the Towers where you have to run the gauntlet of bloodthirsty vampires lurking among the ruins of former home of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Be warned, they like to get up close and personal and even follow you around. Not one for those with a nervous disposition.
Then there is The Sanctuary, which turns out to be precisely the opposite. A discredited professor with a manic smile is back in charge of a 1950s-style medical facility. Good luck finding your way out of this madhouse without falling victim to the prof's Ministry of Joy.
There is an extra charge for the mazes, you may have to face queues, and they're not recommended for under-14s.
If the world of the undead is more your scene, then the Zombie Zone will transport you to what feels like a film set from Shaun of the Dead. Thread your way through post-apocalyptic scenes while trying to avoid the snarling zombies who smell blood – yours.
New this year is Scary Tales, when you can explore an eerie gothic landscape where classic stories are given a Halloween twist.
If you have young visitors, they can learn scary skills at Phil and Franklyn's Ghoul School, enjoy tales from Skelvin's Spooky Storytime, or play in Patch's Trick or Treat Party.
And there's also the huge Cbeebiesland, where their favourite characters come to life.
We extended our stay by overnighting at the Alton Towers Hotel, which meant we could also enjoy entry to the adjoining indoor water park with its flumes. Then it was back into the main park for more thrilling rides.
Halloween? Bah humbug? No, it all ends too soon.
