How to Qualify for Trick-or-Treating at My House

Call me a pushover, a bleeding heart, or wild and crazy. Those are all fairly accurate descriptions in general, but specifically when it comes to who I give candy to on Halloween. I have this irrational policy that whoever comes to my door on Halloween gets candy! I didn’t even realize this was a debatable issue until social media made me aware that there are Halloween Grinches out there who impose strict age and behavior restrictions on who gets candy. This is what you need to do to qualify for trick-or-treating at my house.

Age

Some of the Halloween Grinches set an age limit of 12 or below for trick-or-treating. They turn away anyone older. Why can’t teenagers be included in the fun? I love seeing teenagers going door to door, having fun, and stocking up on candy and treats. I remember in college, a group of us dressed up, went trick-or-treating, and had a great time. It was a wholesome evening and made us feel nostalgic for our childhoods. Why not extend some fun parts of childhood? I will also give candy to adults who are out with their kids. It’s going to be a long night, and they deserve the candy! I don’t even care if you also qualify for Medicare; you can still come to my house and have candy!

Also, keep in mind that some adults with developmental delays may still enjoy trick-or-treating. Because I have a brother with intellectual disabilities, I have learned always to give people the benefit of the doubt. There is no age limit for getting candy at my house!

Costumes

Although I love seeing all the creative and cute costumes, wearing one is not required for trick-or-treating at my house. I understand that some people have sensory issues that make wearing a costume a no-go. Other kids may have financial issues or parents who are not willing to help them figure out a costume. They shouldn’t be excluded! Maybe they could throw a sheet over their head and be a ghost or paint their face like a cat, but we don’t know their situation or their limitations. Come to my house with or without a costume, and I’ll give you candy!

Trick or Treat

I’ve heard some Grinches say that the child must say the words “Trick or Treat” or they get no candy. I understand that some children are too shy, some have a speech impairment, some have social anxiety, and some are simply unable to verbalize that phrase. Although it’s fun to hear cute little ones saying the words, it’s absolutely fine if they can’t or won’t. Have empathy for kids with autism or delays, or even for kids who are just having a bad day. Give them some candy!

My neighborhood makes a big, big deal out of Halloween. It’s one of the most fun nights of the year when everyone, of all ages, is out trick-or-treating and visiting with neighbors. We have a church at the center of our neighborhood that opens its doors as a place to stop and warm up or use the restroom. There are food trucks in the church parking lot, and this year we were able to close off the main street to traffic. I want everyone, no matter their age or ability, to enjoy Halloween evening.

Keep in mind we’re giving out candy, not bars of gold or chunks of our 401Ks. Don’t be a Halloween Grinch. Be generous, be kind, and be empathetic. Allow yourself to be a kid for the night. Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional and not something I recommend!

Cruella and Dalmation – grandmom and grandson edition!