EDITORIAL

Getting into the Halloween spirit

Posted

Prepare yourselves for ghosts and ghouls, vampires and witches, and definitely some Elsas and Annas, because this weekend is Halloween. Twisted smiles will be carved on jack-o-lanterns, and children of all ages will be dressing up as their favorite characters and maybe a monster or two in hopes of a few pieces of candy.

This year, though, be aware that there are all sorts of trick-or-treaters roaming around on Halloween, but they all should get to enjoy the spookiest night of the year. Especially because Halloween is on a weekend this year and not a school night, you may be seeing more children than you’re used to. Trick-or-treaters can stay out later, which means they can stop in more neighborhoods and more houses, which means you may want to stock up on more candy.

The Beacon recently reported about a new initiative, the Teal Pumpkin, where certain houses will place a pumpkin painted teal to let families know they are also offering non-food treats for children. They will have small toys, plastic jewelry, stickers or temporary tattoos.

Because some of the most popular allergies among children – soy, wheat, milk and nuts – can be found in candy, those children with allergies either can’t partake in eating candy or can even opt out of trick-or-treating all together.

The teal pumpkin tries to be inclusive of those children, giving them a safe and healthy outlet through which they can trick-or-treat. The mother in question even said buying small party favors was an inexpensive alternative to candy.

Allergies aren’t the only health concern trick-or-treaters may have.

Children can be facing many things that could impede on their Halloween experience: those with crutches or confined to a wheelchair may not be able to get to every doorway but still want to spend the night with friends going around the neighborhood. For those with more difficult entranceways, understand if a child asks to take a second piece of candy for their friend or sibling.

Some trick-or-treaters may also have a developmental delay, or a social and behavioral concern. When passing out candy, remember when a child doesn’t say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you,” it may not be because they aren’t grateful, but they may be overly shy and that is a lot for them to handle.

For those older trick-or-treaters that might stop by your door, costumed or not, be patient; they may be trying to hold onto their last bits of childhood, fearing the “real world” right around the corner.

Some children, regardless of age, without a costume may not have been able to afford a costume, but still wanted to enjoy a night of trick-or-treating with friends and family. For those kids without a costume but you want to see them “earn their candy,” ask them to tell a brief joke before receiving anything.

You may also see children from other neighborhoods visiting your home for a treat. Be considerate that other neighborhoods may not be as wealthy or well off as your own, and children from poorer neighborhoods want to experience the traditional trick-or-treating experience.

Remember most of all to save a few pieces of candy for yourself.

Comments

1 comment on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

  • Justanidiot

    Get off my porch you parasites looking for a hankout. Want candy? Go get a job.

    Friday, October 30, 2015 Report this