Dear Dr. Boli: What do you think of the way Halloween seems to be creeping up on Christmas as America’s biggest commercial holiday? My neighbors have had Halloween lights up since September 14. The stores have had their Halloween merchandise out since July. Last week in the hardware store I saw a Halloween tree, just like a Christmas tree only black and decorated with ghosts and bats. Theologically and culturally speaking, what does it all mean? —Sincerely, a Confused but Concerned Citizen.

Dear Sir or Madam: Halloween? Bah! Humbug!