Halloween Etiquette for Adults

Are you ready for Halloween?

Have you purchased candy that you enjoy or that you think the kids will enjoy?

Should you give items other than candy?

Is it OK to visit another neighborhood to trick-or-treat?

 

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Some of you may go all out with costumes and decorating, while others of you will be happy simply handing out candy, and some of you may choose to be tucked away in your home with the lights off! It has been some time since I dressed up for Halloween though always have fun giving out candy and seeing the children in their costumes.

Following are Halloween etiquette tips to help make it more enjoyable for all!

Wishing you a delightful (or is that frightful?) Halloween!

• If you are driving children, do stay within your neighborhood. It isn't polite to drive a group of children to another neighborhood because it is thought that "they have better candy."

• Lights on if you want trick-or-treaters; lights off to discourage. Of course, be aware that children may will still ring the bell when your lights are off, thinking you perhaps forgot to turn them on.

• A good age range for trick-or-treating is from young child to age 12. Once kids reach their teens, door to door trick-or-treating is discouraged. Teens can still be involved in the fun and accompany younger children out for trick-or-treating, hand out candy, or attend an age-appropriate party.

• If teens arrive at your door for candy, be gracious and provide them with candy also. No need to be a curmudgeon.

• It is best to provide store-bought candy rather than homemade items for safety reasons.

• While we may think it is clever to give pencils, erasers, notebooks, and non-candy items, kids would rather have candy.

• Remember to purchase candy that you think the children will enjoy, not that you enjoy (and hope to have leftover). A recent article in the Huffington Post listed the "9 Most Hated Halloween Treats." Take heed. Here are the nine:

                1.  Candy Corn              6. Smarties
                2.  Mary Janes               7. Whoppers
                3.  Bit-O-Honey              8. Things That Aren't Candy
                4.  Tootsie Rolls             9. Things That Aren't Even Edible
                5.  Good and Plenty

• Consider throwing a Halloween party at your home for young people. 

 

• Consider getting into the spirit of Halloween and dressing up in a costume whether you are out walking your children, driving them, or you are answering the door. While adults are too old to actually be trick-or-treating, they aren't too old to get into the spirit of Halloween and to have fun!

Halloween Etiquette for Kids

Are your children ready for Halloween? Have your children been planning their costumes since early September? Thinking about all the good candy they will be receiving? Refreshing their Halloween manners? I am guessing "yes" on the first three questions, though "no" on the last question! As Halloween is this week, it is a good time to help them brush up on their Halloween manners. Here are some tips you can share with your children and even post on your fridge. Happy Halloween! 

 

• Be kind about the costumes of others. Never say someone has a "stupid" costume.

• The best time to trick-or-treat is from 7:00pm to 9:00p. It is polite to wait until most people have had dinner, and to finish before people begin getting ready for bed.

• When you see lights are off at a home, don't ring the doorbell. Just go on to the next house that has the lights on.

• Go to each home only once, even if you think some have the best candy and you want to go for more.

• Respect other peoples' property and never smash or take someone else's pumpkins.

• Ring the doorbell or knock only once and give people time to answer the door. If there is no answer, don't ring or knock again, just go on to the next house.

• When offered a bowl of candy, take only one piece unless encouraged to take more.

• If you are offered a bowl of candy to choose from, don't search through the bowl to find your favorite even if you are tempted. Take a piece near the top of the bowl and within easy reach.

• Some adults will instead put the candy into your bag or bucket so don't reach or ask for more.

• If you receive a type of candy you don't like, avoid making a face. Simply say "thank you." Remember you might be able to exchange it later with a friend, sibling, or share it with your mom or dad.

• Always use your best manners. Wait your turn in line. Remember to say "trick or treat" and "thank you."

• Some grown ups find it fun to provide you with a trick rather than a treat. Never show disappointment. Be polite and say "thank you." After all, it is "trick-or-treat." There will most likely be candy at the next house.

• It is kind to share your candy with your siblings and parents.

• If your brother or sister received candy that you want, ask them politely if they would exchange some of their candy for your candy, remembering to use "please" and "thank you." Never just reach over and take their candy. Avoid sulking or becoming angry if they don't want to exchange. Appreciate the candy you received.