USA – The trick-or-treaters are gearing up for this year’s march around the neighborhood! We have tricks and tips to help the new homeowners, the neighborhood’s introverts, the parents who are taking their tots on their first excursion, and the die hard Halloween lovers.
Know what the porch light means:
If the front door light isn’t on, or if the window blinds are closed, you should skip the house. A dark house on the night of October 31 means the homeowner is not planning on giving out any candy to strangers.
So, homeowners who are looking forward to passing out candy should make it obvious they are open and ready to go. Turn on all the lights in the front of your house, open your blinds, and, most importantly, turn on your porch light. Then, you are ready to see all of the neighborhood kids dressed in the costumes they have been eager to wear all month. You better have your candy locked and loaded and be wearing a smile!
It is okay to not want to participate in the Halloween festivities. Just make sure your house is as dark as possible.
Win over every trick-or-treater:
There are a few ways homeowners can go above and beyond to make the night special for their neighborhood’s kids.
If you are choosing to participate in the festivities of the evening, you should do it with a smile! At the end of the day, it is your choice to participate, so you should only do so if you are ready for all the kiddie action. Be enthusiastic about each costume you see, and do not make fun of or speak negatively of anyone’s costume under ANY circumstances! You never know the reason a child is wearing a certain costume. Sometimes, one negative comment can ruin the entire night. Be extra cautious of your tone for the younger kids.
If you can afford it, kids will thank you for having a variety of options in your candy bowl. This tip will win over both the picky eaters and the children with allergies in your neighborhood.
Mind the pleases and thank yous:
Of course this Halloween will be a night full of fun and adventure for your children, but this is also a great opportunity for parents to monitor manners. Teach them that their “thank you” is as important and powerful as their “trick or treat!”
Know what a teal boo bucket or candy bowl means:
In recent years, parents have developed a few key color codes that should be kept top of mind for candy-givers.
Teal trick-or-treat buckets represent food allergies, meaning it may be especially important to avoid giving this child any candy containing peanuts.
According to the Food Allergy Organization’s website, the Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion and respect for people managing food allergies. Houses who follow this movement offer alternatives for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option. You can learn more about this project and how to add your own house to the list here.
Blue or dark blue buckets could signify the child has autism, and purple buckets could signify a child has epilepsy. Look for these signs when the children approach your door!
Become a Hallow-winner:
Now that the basics are covered, there are still a few more tricks (and treats) for Hallo-winners.
Parents, when you feel confident that your child is old enough to go up to the door by themselves and remember their manners, you can stay on the sidewalk and wave or shine your phone’s flashlight over to the homeowner.
Pet-owners, secure all your pets in a room away from the front door unless you plan on holding your pet and passing out candy at the same time. If you want to show off your cute pooch in her witch costume, it is best to hold her in your arms.
Homeowners, when opening the door to a young child in your neighborhood who you already know, you might consider pretending, at least for a moment, that you don’t recognize them! Let their power run a little wild for one night. If he is scary, be scared. If she is a princess, show the utmost respect. If he is a hero, be in awe.
