Why Does Halloween Get Bigger Each Year

I've read that spending on Halloween decorations, costumes, food, etc. now rivals Christmas. I don't claim to understand why it has become so popular. A Christian columnist recently provided a theory from the Christian point of view. Why the ten foot high skeleton, he wondered. It seems to me part of some change in our culture.

Over-thinking things like this is a temptation. Maybe Halloween is just something fun to fill up leisure time and something to do with children. 

I recall decades ago an active Christian professor friend of ours who had preteen children said he and his wife would not allow any Halloween activity in their family. He said it was just not a morally healthy activity. I'm sure his children now have children of their own and I wonder what happens there. I would guess that Halloween takes over households of those who don't like it just as Christmas has taken over people who scoff at its origins.

If it is correct that people spend more time and money on Halloween each year, what will happen in the future? Will it continue to grow in enthusiasm and time spent in preparations and participation? What might be added to the ghosts, skeletons and pumpkins? 

It has become somewhat political with masks of political figures. Maybe lawn decorations will, or maybe already have, expand into Halloween political statements.  

I like to think Halloween has become popular because it is not considered a religious day. That makes it more fun and there are no tense family gatherings to contend with. This may not be correct but it gives me pleasure to think about it in this way.