The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend the following for Halloween in 2015:

• Number of people celebrating Halloween—157 million Americans, or 71.5 percent
• Number of Americans who will dress in Halloween costumes—68 million
• Percentage of people dressing up their pets—12.9 percent
• Total Halloween expenses—$7.0 billion (more than twice the amount Americans spent for Halloween in 2005).
• Average Halloween spending per person—$74
• Largest Halloween expense—$2.5 billion for costumes
• Amount spent on candy—$2.1 billion (2015 figures)

The president of the National Retail Federation concluded:

By the time Halloween rolls around each year it's safe to say Americans have already spent two months preparing for one of the fastest-growing and most widely-loved holidays of the year. Retailers know that when it comes to Halloween, new costume ideas for children, adults and pets, and the latest in home and yard décor top people's shopping lists. We expect retailers to stock their shelves well ahead of time to capture the attention of eager holiday shoppers.

Possible Preaching Angles: (1) Money, Giving, Generosity—The high-level of commitment to Halloween shows that people will spend on whatever they think is a priority--even in a down economy. (2) Planning, Priorities, Values—The creativity and energy (not to mention the money) that goes into Halloween shows that our heart and our actions will always follow what we value.