Washington - In this scary economy, people seem to be willing to splurge on the small indulgences. This October, spending on the Halloween holiday has been significantly higher than in recent years.

In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, this year two out of three Americans plan to celebrate Halloween, the biggest turnout since this trade group began tracking the holiday in 2001.

While still a relatively minor retail holiday -- it ranks eighth, below Christmas, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day, among others -- Halloween spending is expected to exceed $5.7 billion this year, up from about $3 billion in 2003.

Instead of new cars or houses, a new Halloween costume or some decorating tricks and sweet treats seem to be within most people's reach.

Dismal retail sales reports out this week are fueling fears about the December holidays. A tally by the International Council of Shopping Centers showed that 36 big name chain stores pulled off their worst performances since September 2001.

But despite all that doom and gloom, it seems that the frightfest will go on.

Internet retail sites are offering countless costumes this year, and for those who want to go it alone, there are how-to websites like E-How that offer step by step instructions. This page shows how to create this year's most popular incarnation: Republican vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.