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Tomorrow is October 31st, and for many, that date stands for something more than the last day of the month. It's Halloween!
1. What are the "magic" words for this evening of fun? "Trick or Treat" and "Thank You!", with the last being said as loud, and with as much enthusiasm, as the first. Tip: "Trick or Treat can be a mouthful for little ones, but even the smaller goblins can learn to say "Boo!"
2. While homemade treats are often the best, most parents will not allow their kids to eat anything unless it is individually wrapped and sealed. Should you decide to offer special treats to those kids you know well, be sure to label them with your name and address so parents will know where they came from.
3. As an alternative to candy, many people are choosing to hand out a variety of items: pencils, erasers, stickers, bubbles, glow sticks, rub-on tattoos, and even toothbrushes. Trick-or-Treaters should smile and say thank you, regardless of what they are given; that Halloween pencil will last long after the candy bar is gulped down, and will also be a reminder of a fun evening.
4. Safety is paramount.
- Turn on your porch light and leave it on as long as you have candy to hand out.
- Make sure your walkway is clear; kids are excited and don't necessarily watch where they step.
- The flicker of candle light in a jack-o-lantern can add to the mood, but beware of flowing costumes and hair -- make sure your candle-lit items are in a safe spot. Better yet, use battery operated tea lights or an electrical string of light.
5. If Halloween is not your holiday and you do not want your doorbell ringing through-out the night, turn off your front porch light. (In reality, the more lights you are able to leave off in the front area of your house, the better.)
6. Trick-or-Treaters should only ring or knock once; if the door is not answered within a few minutes, move along. Avoid houses that are dark.
7. One piece of candy, please - there is no need to be greedy. Adults, you may find it more convenient to hand out the candy, rather than offering the bowl.
8. When walking (running, really) between houses, be sure to stay on sidewalks and pathways. Short cuts through lawns or flowerbeds are rarely appreciated by the homeowner.
9. When is it all finished? When you are out of candy to hand out, or typically somewhere between 8 and 9 pm. Let any ghosts or witches wandering the neighborhood later know you are done by turning out your front porch light and extinguishing jack-o-lantern lights.
10. How old is too old? Guidelines vary, from family to family or neighborhood. Typically, if they are old enough to have a driver's license, they are probably past the age for Trick-or-Treating. Personally, I think that if an older kid is willing to make an effort to put on a costume, show up during "on" hours, and is polite, I have no problem giving them a treat.
Last year, I had the opportunity to watch a young woman, 18 years old, get dressed up for Halloween for the very first time. Due to unfortunate circumstances through-out her younger years, this was a ritual she had missed out on. After a fun dinner out with friends - in costume - they did a little trick-or-treating. She ended the evening with a small bag of candy and a HUGE grin.
You just never know who may be on the other side of your door.
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