AITA (WIBTA) if I keep a Halloween party despite my friends wishes?

In a lively school cafeteria, a 14-year-old girl buzzes with excitement for her Halloween birthday bash. Born on October 31, she’s always embraced spooky themes for her parties, a tradition in a country where Halloween is more novelty than norm. But a new classmate’s accusation of “copying” her May Halloween party throws a wrench into her plans, sparking a heated debate.

This Reddit tale captures teenage spirit and the clash of egos over a festive tradition. The girl’s resolve to celebrate her way faces pushback from Hannah, who insists on claiming the spooky spotlight. Readers are drawn into a playful yet poignant question: who owns a party theme?

‘AITA (WIBTA) if I keep a Halloween party despite my friends wishes?’

I (14F) am born on Halloween and almost all of my birthday parties have been halloween themed.. (I live in a country where trick or treating doesn't happen but parties occasionally do) 'Hannah' (15F) is a girl who joined our school beginning of this academic year so she hasn't been in the school for long.

And didn't know about my birthday when she celebrated hers( important later) So on Monday, I was sitting with my friends and the topic of what I wanted to do on my birthday came up and I said halloween party as usual. Suddenly, 'Hannah' speaks up and is like 'no! You can't do that. You're copying me!' and I asked her why.

She said that *she* had a Halloween themed birthday party in may (which is as far from October as possible) and that I should let *her* be the special one this year. I told her it was practically tradition for me to have a Halloween themed birthday cuz I'm actually *born* on said day. (Now Keep in mind it really isn't a holiday in our country but people do know a bit about it but not that much.)

So she says, 'just because your birthday falls on it this time doesn't mean you were born on it' and I'm just sitting there looking at her confused. Friend 1 asks her wth she's talking about. So she says ' it falls on the last sunday of October. Just cuz you are born around that time doesn't mean that you have keep a party.' And another friend is like 'do you know anything about halloween?'

She basically refused to believe it doesn't change every year and kept on trying to convince me to have a normal birthday party. I kept refusing and she walked away saying that I'm just a copy cat. A friend said she was the one who copied me but I reminded them that Hannah didn't know about my birthday then.

Some of my friends tried to change my mind cuz she's new but others are happy to have two halloween parties in a year. I really don't want to change because last year I didn't get to celebrate cuz of the pandemic and so this year I was really excited for it. Also this is my last year in school and I'll prolly never meet these ppl again.

Edit: ok wow I have a LOT of birthday twins and now you guys have convinced me so I'm 99percent planning on having it

This birthday saga reveals a classic teen tussle over individuality and misunderstanding. The girl’s Halloween party is a cherished tradition, tied to her birthdate, yet Hannah’s claim of “copying” shows a need to stand out. Dr. Lisa Damour, a teen psychology expert, notes, “Adolescents often compete for uniqueness as they form identities.” Hannah’s confusion about Halloween’s date and her May party suggests a bid for attention rather than malice.

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The girl’s commitment to her tradition reflects a broader issue: navigating peer pressure in adolescence. Studies show 70% of teens feel pressured to conform to social norms, yet standing firm fosters self-esteem. Hannah’s reaction may stem from insecurity as a new student, but her demand to control another’s celebration oversteps boundaries.

Damour suggests open communication to ease teen conflicts. The girl could acknowledge Hannah’s feelings while explaining her tradition’s importance. Inviting Hannah to join the fun might diffuse tension.

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Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit users brought the sass and support, cheering the birthday girl on with some epic shade. Here’s a taste of their spicy takes:

[Reddit User] − NTA. She isn't special, and she doesn't get to dictate when Halloween is or what party you will have. Have your party and have fun.

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thiswasyouridea − 'just because your birthday falls on it this time doesn't mean you were born on it' and I'm just sitting there looking at her confused. Friend 1 asks her wth she's talking about. So she says ' it falls on the last sunday of October.'. Yeah, she's wrong about that. Halloween is always the 31st.. Anyway, who has a Halloween party in May?. NTA

mmethylphenol − I had a Halloween birthday party two years ago, Hannah copied me! /s. NTA btw, she seems immature. Happy birthday :3.

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SweetTurtle93 − NTA honestly I'd just be laughing hard at her and have a good birthday Halloween baby :)

katecudi − nta girl have the damn party. you won’t talk to these people in a couple years

cassidy1111111 − Nta. My moms is Christmas Day and dads is Valentine’s Day. We’ve always thrown them themed parties cause honestly everything was always already decorated.

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Czeslaw_Emma − NTA. And may and october are far appart enough so that people won't compare your two birthdays, I don't see why any of you should back up on your plans.

Alarmed-Hamster-4047 − NTA. That girl is entitled and ridiculous! Celebrate you and have a great time! (And I recommend not inviting her.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Ilikecosysocks − NTA. Even if her reasoning wasn't ridiculous and her understanding of halloween wasn't wrong, it still doesn't matter. You don't get to hold dibs on a theme for the year because you used it. Also, unless something pretty spectacular happened at her birthday, in all likelihood most people have forgotten about it, or at least don't think about it at this point.

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broken-shoelace − NTA... I'm born on Orthodox Christmas Eve, so it would be like saying I shouldn't have tree or light at my parties just cause I was born on that date, lol

These comments are a riot, but do they capture the full vibe of this teen drama?

This story is a fun peek into teenage turf wars and the fight to keep traditions alive. The girl’s Halloween party stands as a badge of her identity, undeterred by a classmate’s misplaced claim. How would you handle a friend trying to gatekeep your celebration style? Share your stories or advice below—how do you stay true to yourself in the face of peer pressure?

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