As October rolls around again, everyone starts to prepare for one of the world’s favorite holidays, Halloween. Since Halloween is coming up it’s time to go over Halloween etiquette once again.
First off, for trick or treaters. Respect the lights on/off rule. If the lights are off at the front of the house, skip the house. It’s a way of showing they are not participating in treat giving or have no candy left. Obviously wear a costume, that’s one of the main points of Halloween. Don’t be boring. If the candy bowl isn’t sitting outside, ring the doorbell or knock on the door and wait patiently. Accept any candy that is handed to you, no one likes a complainer when it comes to candy. Elizabeth Etiquette states in her blog, “ Accept whatever is offered as a treat. Do not complain about the type of candy or non-candy treat. However, if you’re allergic to nuts, you may ask if a nut free alternative is available.” Don’t be greedy. If it says take one, take one. Lastly, please walk on sidewalks or given paths. Don’t go through people’s lawns or gardens, that’s rude. Remember to say thank you.
For people who give the candy to the trick or treaters, here’s etiquette for you. If you are participating in giving candy, turn your lights on. Don’t be hidden from the trick or treaters. Give out store bought candy and individually wrapped candy. If you’re wanting to give out homemade treats, give them to the kids you know. Go for the good candy, as Caylin Harris states in her Halloween tips blog, “ No one wants raisins or stale tootsies rolls. Ditto on the black licorice.” Be mindful of leaving candy out unsupervised, naughty kids will not listen to the take one piece or will take more than the normal amount, may even take the whole bowl. Even if you’re giving out candy, participate in the costume wearing. It feels more natural taking candy from a ghost or a witch. If you don’t know what the kids’ costume is, don’t ask. That will just make it awkward.
For the people who choose to go to Halloween parties instead, wear a costume. If it’s a Halloween party there’s a very high chance of it being a costume party, don’t be lame! If there’s drinking and you participate, do not drink and drive. Be smart and use your head. It’s better to go with a friend so you can watch out for each other, make sure you and your friends are safe. Don’t be a party pooper, if you feel the party is boring don’t say it, just leave. If you’re a teen going out and trick or treating, don’t scare the little little kids, they will most likely start to cry and that just makes it hard on the parent. No egging or toilet papering peoples houses, you wouldn’t like it if that happened to you. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you can take more candy than others. Take a mindful amount.
