Halloween smackdown: How old is too old for trick or treat?
You know it's going to be a difficult week when you wind up in a smackdown with your colleagues two minutes into your workday.
We had no sooner settled into our chairs in the conference room than we were arguing over trick-or-treat. Don Mayhew's story on Halloween etiquette says trick or treating is not for teens. I say, "Boooo!" I think it's fine for teens to go trick or treating for candy. In fact, it's fun to see them getting all dressed up, and I love to see them at the door.
Now my colleagues, um, respectfully disagree. They say tricks are for kids. What do you think?
This year, we are going to have a teenage visitor from Iceland for a few days -- including Halloween -- and one of the things I am most looking forward to is helping her with a costume so some kids can take her out that night to experience this uniquely American tradition. (I have a whole box full of costumes from previous students!) Visitors from other countries love the idea that in this scaarrry world, Americans can go knocking on the doors of strangers and they'll welcome you, compliment your costume, wish you Happy Halloween and give you candy. Some people even decorate their yards and houses. How cool is that? None of their countries have anything like it.
I say there is no age limit on fun. That's not to say I support people of any age who engage in vandalism -- don't be silly -- but we shouldn't paint all teens with a broad brush. The vandals, typically, are not into trick or treating. They are usually just running around in their cars making trouble.
Read Don Mayhew's story here.
Comments
I feel that there should be an age limit at some point because I enjoy seeing little ones dressed up and prefer for them to be safe. I think it is ok for a group of teens to trick or treat accompanied by an adult. It is far better for teens to have a costume party at their homes so they can still dress up and have fun. It ticks me off when parents take their tiny babies out trick or treating in strollers cause they just want the candy and they can buy their own. Those babies cant eat it so you know it is for them. Going to church events are great fun for entire families in a safe environment. In my city they have to be off the streets at7pm and I think that is great.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | October 29, 2007 12:25 PM
"Now my colleagues, um, respectfully disagree. They say tricks are for kids."
They didn't preface that with "silly rabbit," did they?
Posted by: Mike D. | October 29, 2007 1:44 PM
If you come to my house in a costume you will get candy. I dont care what age you are.
Posted by: John Zacharias | October 29, 2007 8:29 PM
That's the spirit! Age 6 or 60, Halloween is fun.
Posted by: Gail Marshall | October 30, 2007 5:19 PM
here's what NOT to do, take your coin-change jar, remove the quarters, and let them grab their own handfull...oh sure, they have tiny hands and the money's no big deal, but the ensuing almost-riot and line-down-the-street ending at my door was a bit much. Now I just give the lil darlins genenticly modified corn syrup products. {at least,those in costume}
Posted by: john swift | October 30, 2007 6:12 PM
I will be giving a bit of candy as well as paper money with scripture on it in hopes of spreading the word of God and connecting people to him. I only have to plant a seed and God will handle the rest.
Posted by: Jackie Krage | October 31, 2007 8:20 AM
Oh man John I laughed hard after reading your post.
You do realise that all of us parents get together and discuss the best places to bring the kids?
Maximum candy, shortest walks, biggest candy bars.
I sell maps =)
Posted by: John zacharias | October 31, 2007 3:26 PM