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When I was an eager trick-or-treater, my Halloweens were like a ritual:
Grandpa Bob came over at 5 p.m.
We ate my mother's famous bake dish at 6 p.m.
And finally, once the last rays of sun were disappearing, we hit the streets.
In my opinion, we were gracious little monsters, smiling big as we said "Trick or Treat." Once our bounty was secured in our pillow cases, a heartfelt "Thank you" was said as well. We were careful not to trample fall plants or break lawn gnomes. Two door bell rings was the max before moving on to the next, and once 9 p.m. struck we were herded home, where we counted and traded our treasure. Once we hit high school, or treating days were over.
My mother was the reason we were so well behaved. We went out after dusk as to not disturb those families still eating dinner, the two-ring rule was to respect those who didn't participate in the holidays, ending the tradition at high school helped transform us into buding adults, and, well, thank yous were required for everything.
So what's your take on the trick-or-treating tradition? When do you start kids? When is it time to quit? What time of night should it all start? How many times can you knock before it's polite to move on to the next? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Kingfield Lady
8:33 am on Thursday, October 27, 2011
As a non-parent who loves the holiday and was thrilled to finally be able to greet trick-or-treaters at a house of my own, I found it truly appalling how many parents stood around chatting while their children snatched candy, pushed each other, and failed to say a word to me. They just shoved a bag in my face, stuck their hands in the bowl, and sometimes even complained when it was only two pieces instead of a handful. While not every child acted this way (some were truly delightful), most of the worst offenders were from clearly affluent families where getting stuff was no big deal. Parents, please do your kids and the rest of us a favor and teach your kids how to be respectful towards others. Just because they have material advantages doesn't mean they will automatically turn out well. I grew up comfortably, but like the author, I had parents who made sure I always considered others in my actions.
James Sanna
9:05 am on Thursday, October 27, 2011
Eww! Not pleasant sounding, at all.
Seems we forgot to talk about adult etiquette.
Mary Costello
11:02 am on Thursday, October 27, 2011
And it begs the question... how old is too old to be trick-or-treating? My parents let us go until we were in 8th grade but not in high school. I wonder what others think?
Michael Rose
11:18 am on Thursday, October 27, 2011
Personally, I went trick-or-treating until I was about 13 or 14. I was never really told by my parents that I had to stop—kids at school just kind of stopped going. The start of high school seems like a natural ending point.
Mike Hindin
8:48 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I personally don't like Halloween trick or treating, but I do like to meet neighborhood kids so I compromise. Cities should set safe time guide lines from say 5:30 to 7:00 while it still light out. There is no need for parents to drag kids from neighborhood to neighborhood to pig out on candy. I also suggest that there be a sign indicating that trick or treating is welcome. People who are not interested should not be disturbed. It is not pleasant to have a door bell ringing if you are ill or not interested in participating. There could be a yearly contest in the newspapers or websites for pictures with jack o lanterns or other symbols with the words "trick or treaters welcome to be taped to front doors or windows. After about 6th grade kids should only go to friends houses.
Claire Killian
10:30 am on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The rule of thumb in our family when trick or treating in our was: If the front light was on, and the pumpkins were still lit, then that was a house handing out candy. I would turn out the lights at 9pm. This year I I had a 45 trick or treaters between 6 and 830p.
Jesse Lykken
6:37 pm on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Start at dusk, end by nine. Don't care HOW old they are as long as they are in costume and are polite.