Trick or Treat!

In my neighborhood of Herron-Morton Place, everyone counts down the days to Halloween. Everyone marks their calendars for the day of costumes and candy. Almost everyone’s porch lights are on, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone under the age of 13 without a costume. Everyone knows that October 31 is a day for lots of treats, and sometimes even a few tricks.

I find it very interesting, and somewhat inspiring, that no one trick or treats alone. I’m not talking about the fact that everyone likes to hang out with their friends, the alternative would be somewhat dull, as well as slightly frightening. No, I’m talking about the fact that Halloween is a community event. Parents start up conversations with people they barely know, and the kids are always expanding and combining their trick or treat groups so they can be together. No one is ever in your way, and you treat everyone else kindly, knowing full well that the favor will be returned.

Our neighborhood isn’t the kind of neighborhood where you’ll find twenty dog firemen, or any feline Reggie Wayne’s, but some people do get pretty decked out for Halloween. I know one house always has multiple giant blow up halloween decorations, and sometimes you’ll find a porch with some cool Halloween trimmings.

I’ll never forget the time when I was probably about 9 years old and was trick or treating. I had been walking with my brothers, and had already gotten a decent amount of candy. Back then, I actually wasn’t a huge fan of candy, and I didn’t want all my work to go to my brothers. So, while I was trying to come up with a way to not let my brothers get my candy, we walked up to the next house. “Trick or Treat” we said for the thirtieth time that night. Then it hit me. Everyone gave out treats, so why didn’t anyone give out tricks? I voiced my opinion, and the man with the candy chuckled. “Maybe next year”, he said.

So maybe if you don’t usually do anything for Halloween, dress up and go trick or treating. At least turn on your porch light and be ready to come out with some candy. And know that you are never too old to celebrate Halloween, and it’s a great way to get to know your neighbors!