Sticky little fingers, tired feet, one last doorbell to ring, as we trick or treat!
There are many discussions about the origins of Halloween, but one of my favorites comes from Scotland and Ireland.
The tradition of Trick-or-treating goes way back to the 16th century in Ireland and Scotland. On October 31st, the people would go "guising," which meant they would disguise themselves in a costume, usually homemade, the fancier the better, and often with a mask. Then, they would go from house to house, performing to entertain those within each home. If trick-or-treaters were dressed cleverly enough and put on a good show, they would be rewarded with food or treats. If the costume or performance were not welcomed, they’d be rewarded with a trick, no treats.
Now, in the U.S., a simple "trick or treat," a cute costume, and a cheerful "thank you" will snag trick-or-treaters some great treats, even without any performance prepared.
Some may recall the days when there were no elaborate costumes, but we just wore something from another sibling, threw a worn sheet on our head with holes cut out for our eyes, drew and cut on a paper sack to make a mask, or wore a sibling's clothes, which seemed hilarious at the time.
To some, Halloween has become more elaborate: fancier costumers, lots of stuff to buy to decorate, dress-up, or entertain for parties we're having. The value of Halloween is that people get together and enjoy each other's company, laugh together, and share food (or treats).
Even though Halloween is fun, it’s important to remember to be safe.
Top 10 Safety Tips to share with your children or fellow trick-or-treaters!
Costumes: Wear comfortable shoes that you will be comfortable in all night. No need to get blisters on your feet that will haunt you the following week! Long dresses or robes are a tripping hazard and can cause accidental falls. Wear something shorter that doesn’t drag the ground or trip you up. It’s wise to wear face paint with your costume, as masks often block vision or make breathing difficult. It’s best to wear light clothing, which is easier to be seen at night, rather than dark clothing, which blends into the night skies and is more difficult for others (including drivers) to see.
If you will be trick-or-treating at night, carry reflectors, flashlights, glow sticks, or even GPS (that a parent can monitor by smartphone). These can be put on a costume, wrist, hat, or candy carrier. Blinking lights alert others of trick-or-treaters nearby, including cars or trucks, more effectively than regular lights.
With young children, writing their name, phone, parent’s name, and address and attaching that information to their wrist, leg, or as part of their costume is important in case they become lost or separated from the group.
Travel in groups! If you are a young child, always stay with your parent or an assigned adult or older child. If you are a teen, always remain in a group with others you know to look out for each other and have fun together.
Don’t enter homes, even if asked to do so by residents. If you are going to a party, make sure you know the hosts and have permission from your parents (if you are a teen or child). Inform them of the party’s address and host, preferably by writing that information for them ahead of the party.
Be familiar with your neighborhood and your surroundings at all times. Set pre-determined routes. Some parents join together and take turns walking different blocks with their and their neighbor’s children.
Follow traffic rules. Be aware that if it’s dark and people driving cars may not see little spooks unless they are with an adult, have a light costume, or have lighting. Do not run across streets, jay-walk, and be aware to take precautions while you have fun. Stay on sidewalks as much as possible and cross at safe crossing areas.
Phones. This is one time it is a good idea to give your child a phone. Even if it’s a cute burner phone with your number on autodial in case your child needs to call you, or just if they want to tell you how much fun they are having! Have several other phone numbers preprogrammed, just in case. This also gives parents a way to contact their kids if they are out of sight or need to reconnect with a group if they are separated. If you see something suspicious, call the police and report it. (You did remember to preprogram the police department’s phone # in your child’s phone already, right?)
Check candy before letting your children eat it. If you suspect any candy, throw it away, take it to your nearest police station in a plastic bag, or contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. This would be for any candy that smells strange, is not factory sealed, is discolored, has pinholes or tears in the wrappers, or is covered in unknown substances.
As drivers, be extra alert on Halloween to watch for children and teens, as they may be distracted and darting into the streets. Drive slow! Put your phones down and watch for children! This is especially true for new teen drivers. More children are injured on Halloween by cars than any other night of the year. Practice extra safety precautions, whether a driver or a trick-or-treater, so that the night remains fun!
Halloween can also be a time to share joy or even make some special treats to share with elderly family members, neighbors, or those in your community. It can be a time to share food together that has a little bit of extra decoration to spice up a meal.
It can be a time to exercise together, laugh together, and plan together. It's a great time to build family memories and just have fun!
Sometimes the joy of Halloween isn’t the candy or costumes. It may be simply being part of a group, a family, a church, school, neighborhood, or a community sharing laughter, treats, and happiness together. And the great thing is that giving and receiving done on Halloween can be done on any day of the year!
Discover more Halloween Safety Tips below:
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