It's time once again for the annual Halloween primer, when we help out the newbies with what to expect October 31st (and also probably the 30th this year).
Q: I want to put out a pumpkin/jack-o-lantern, but won't someone smash it?
A: Actually, probably not. Though this was rampant where I grew up, it doesn't happen much around here.
Q: I don't really know if any kids will come around. Should I buy candy?
A: Yes. Halloween traffic can be hard to gauge, but it mostly seems to depend on whether you, and many of your neighbors, actually turn on porch lights that night.
Q: I've heard that old kids trick or treat here, and that many kids don't wear costumes. Is this true, and should I still give them candy?
A: Older kids do indeed trick or treat here (as in mid-teens, and yeah, they really do just want candy), and I've often had parents also want candy when they are out with the kids. Lots of kids don't bother with the costume. Despite what some say, it's not a money thing. There are lots of cheap/free ways to dress up for Halloween. So I find this annoying. But, I give the non-costumed candy anyway.
Q: Do kids egg houses on Halloween? Fireworks?
A: I've heard of Halloween eggings here, but they aren't common. Ditto for fireworks.
Other tips:
1. Try stocking something without peanuts, or nuts in it in case you find a kid with an allergy.
2. If you want trick-or-treaters you should turn your porch light on early.
3. A pumpkin, or jack-o-lantern, easily visible from the street (I like to put a decoration out in the yard that you can see from down the street) will decrease your chances of getting skipped.
4. If you offer kids the bowl and tell them to take two pieces it will not happen. That kid's going to grab a handful. If that's an issue for you then hand them the candy, or drop it into the kid's bag.
5. Don't leave out a bowl of candy. It will be empty after the first two kids.
6. this probably goes without saying, but no unprotected candles on the stairs due to long costumes, little kids, and visibility obscured by masks.
7. Keep pets inside. It's not a good night for them to be out.
8. Cabs are often in short supply on Halloween, and drinkers (and drunk drivers) are legion. Be safe.
17 comments:
We've always had a huge turnout for Halloween so be forewarned that more candy is better. And the kids seem to like sugar over chocolate (so yes to sweet tarts and no to mini-snickers). We have gotten some homeless folks, but in the end that doesn't really bother me. Even if your dog loves kids, a lot of kids that come to your door don't so just put the dog in the basement. Finally, our pumpkins have been smashed every single year. Every single.
When and what time is actual trick or treat?
and by when, I mean what day
Thursday the 28th?
Hmm. Let's hold off and do trick or treating on November 2nd- eletion day. Hopefully we won't be tricked too much that night!
9:14,
Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, that's why I'm suggesting that people prepare for possible trick or treating on Saturday as well. It could start as early as 6 or 7pm. Generally you won't see much before that, but it can happen.
The rats will eat the pumpkins.
Never had the pumpkins disappear or get destroyed. I usually get abt 10lbs of candy and go through most of it.
If possible, team up w/ some neighbors and decorate your houses. We've done it for a few years now and everyone around asks what we're going to do this year
When I lived on Constitution and 10th, my pumpkins were smashed multiple times (i.e., I got new ones, which would thereafter be smashed). After we moved to Maryland Ave, though, I haven't had as much of a problem. I think it is because our front walk is now much longer, so it's harder to grab and smash without being noticed.
Thanks for the info for those of us who are new!
I don't really celebrate Halloween, but I occasionally remember to stock up on candy and do give it out, since kids love it so much.
I generally refuse to give candy to adults, as I think that they are there to supervise the children and should not expect candy.
No adult has ever made an issue out of being refused, although if they did I would just gently say I am saving my candy for the kids.
I have never seen a smashed pumpkin on my block. This must be a localized phenomenon.
As for the costume-less issue, it is more a combination of economics and pride. kids want to buy a store bought costume, not rock a homemade one, mainly because they see other kids with store bought costumes and don't want to stick out. that kind of individualism has to be taught to kids early in a mass media/ad-driven society where most people want something with a name brand.
I did 5 Halloweens in Trinidad and Inked's got it spot on. Unfortunately my block just shuts down and people turn off their lights and traffic has gotten lighter every year. No one's ever messed with my pumpkins.
It's worth it...so many excited kids and 90% of the parents w/ them are really friendly too.
gimme sum candy, biotch!
Halloween 2004 - I went through 8 bags of candy in 90 minutes.
Halloween 2009 - I only bought two bags and only got three trick-or-treaters.
Kids all seem to be gone around 6th and l.
Will trick or treaters be scared if I answered the door dressed as blackface?
In honor of Metro Mutts, I will only be handing out bags of crackers and cigarettes this halloween.
I always stock up on those mini boxes of raisins for the non-costumed teenagers. You shuld see their faces when you give the little kids a snickers and they get a box of raisins. Good times!
Donna
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