All the Halloween candy and/or chocolate has been purchased, perhaps more than once. Can you relate?
Everyone makes plans based on previous years and hopes to have just the right amount for a certain number of trick-or-treaters who knock, ring or yell outside homes on Wednesday, October 31.
In some neighbourhoods, crowds of dressed up All Hallows’ Eve sugar seekers number in the dozens, while in others, hundreds are expected. What’s worse, running out and having to turn the lights out early or having to suffer through eating the leftovers? To each his/her own, but the latter is probably more enjoyable for most.
When it comes to handing out your treat of choice, remember not to be picky about the ages of the children presenting themselves at your front door. It is okay for teens to trick or treat.
Refrain from saying, “You’re too old,” or, “This is for little kids,” as age should be a non-factor. Before jumping to the conclusion that one or more of those standing at the door are “elder” teenagers, consider what they are doing. Trick-or-treating, in the grand scheme of things, is a good way to stay out of trouble; there are far worse ways for a youngster to spend an evening. They are not hurting anyone or anything, except maybe their waistlines, but they’re young and can burn off the excess calories in no time.
On another note, don’t use height to determine age. 11 and 12 year olds can be five-feet, ten-inches tall. That grim reaper or clown at your door could be in grade six or seven, so give them a chocolate bar. Do you remember elementary school? It was hell for some, so throw them a bone (sugar-filled, of course).
If you just cannot get into the spirit and need a little Halloween boost, today is your day. It is possible to take a ride on the Ghost Train in Paradise Valley (5 to 8 pm), stop by the James Thomson Halloween Carnival in Wildwood (5 to 8 pm) and visit Henderson Haunted House in Townsite (starting at 7 pm) all tonight. If that’s too much for one evening, the ghost train and haunted house are options tomorrow night, too, as is the Haunted Ball at Dwight Hall.
If all else fails, check out the story about Pumpkin Fest 2018 on page 13. If the story doesn’t entice you to join in the fun, the photo will at least put a smile on your face, just like every trick-or-treater who comes to your door will, if you “treat” them all the same, regardless of their age.
Heck, share the wealth with their parents as well. After all, you have a waistline to consider, too.
