The Most Disappointing Halloween Ever

We just experienced our most disappointing Halloween in the 15 years we have been in our home. We received zero trick-or-treaters. Not one moment of joy opening the door to see little ones in costumes as their cute little voices called out "trick-or-treat"!

As far back as I can remember Halloween has been a holiday that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to trick or treat for candy.

Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course, back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we would get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened, we would all yell out, "trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and repeated the process until we felt that nothing had been missed. Once home we would dump our bounty on the table and our eyes would open wide with amazement at what we had collected.

I kept that tradition alive with my children, and they are doing so with their children. So much fun for them, and when they have fun, so do we.

When we first were in our house 15 years ago, we would get at least 50 children or more on Halloween night. It was so much fun to open the door, see their costumes and excitement, and give them the treat they were waiting for. We were lucky to have enough candy to last the evening. However, these last few years have seen a diminishing number of children coming to our door. 

I have read that traditional trick-or-treating has been replaced with trunk-or-treat. Parents are taking their children to a parking lot where they walk from car to car and get candy out of someone's trunk. I'm sorry, but that is not trick-or-treating, and in my mind seems a bit bizarre and creepy.

I know the world has changed in many ways, and people don't take the time to know their neighbors - no community feeling as in years past. I also know that some children have allergies which makes parents worry about what their child may get. And the one thing I wonder - have parents become so afraid of the world around them that they deny their child the fun of Halloween? Or are they too busy to take the time to carry on this tradition with their children?

My parents checked our candy before we could eat it. I did the same with my children and they are doing so with theirs. If you are unsure of a house then don't take them there, but I do believe that the majority of people are good people. And one thing I can tell you - don't ever be too busy to do these things with your children - you will regret missing it in years to come.

So, make them a costume out of whatever you have at home and take them out to enjoy the fun of Trick or Treating on Halloween. They (and you) will have a great time, and those of us who are there to open the door will love seeing the costumes and the joy on their faces. I am disappointed that I did not get to see any children this year, and hopeful next year will be better.

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