Halloween is around the corner. Whether you're staying at home handing lollipops to goblins or dressing in the costume of your dreams for that adult holiday party, it’s a ghoulish night with sugar and alcohol fueling much of the excitement. So, it’s important that manners be a part of the evening. Here are some helpful tips for Halloween trick or treaters and party goers.
BE COSTUME SMART: Ghoulish makeup and army fatigues are acceptable but in these times of needless violence and quickly made mistakes, guns and other fake weapons are better left at home. Consider having your youngest children wear reflective and light-up glow gear. Remember kids will likely be running or hurrying to the next house, so they will need to move in any costume. It shouldn’t be too tight, heavy, warm, long, or cumbersome.
REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST: Small children should always be accompanied by parents or a designated adult. Having your child carry a flashlight or mobile phone is a good idea. If your area isn’t kid-friendly, it’s fine to pack up your brood and head to Grandma’s neighborhood or to your best friend’s block. Dumping off a carload of kids in an area where you don’t know anyone or haven’t been invited is impolite-and possibly dangerous. Many local towns have Halloween events like North Beach, MD if your neighborhood is not appropriate for trick or treating, see https://www.northbeachmd.org/.
REMIND THE LITTLE MONSTERS OF THE BASICS: Remind your little ghost not to be greedy; one piece of candy from each house is the general rule, unless the home owner says otherwise or invites them to take more. And saying, “thank you” is necessary.
TEACH THE JOY OF SHARING AND SAVING: A great lesson to teach your child around Halloween is the importance of saving and sharing their treats. There are several donation programs for unused, individually wrapped candy. Making a service member far away in a warzone smile is just as sweet as candy. Operation Gratitude at https://operationgratitude.com, sends care packages to troops overseas. Several dentist offices will take unopened candy in exchange for money or gift bags of dental supplies. See www.halloweencandybuyback.com.
REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATING PROPERLY: If you don’t like Halloween, you don’t have to participate. Either go out for the night or turn off your front lights. Parents will get the message.
REMEMBER PARTY GOING TIPS: If the party invitation requests that you wear a costume, you should try to accommodate. And, as you would with any party try to be on time. Arrive with a host-hostess gift. Wine, flowers, candles, or a dessert work great. At the party, complimenting costumes is always a nice touch; people enjoy knowing their creative costumes have been noticed and enjoyed. Send a “thank-you” note or even a text or email the next day relaying what a scary and fun time you had. Trust me. These courteous touches ensure you can have confidence you will be invited to future ghoulish gatherings.