Ohn October 31st, I expect princesses, ghosts, zombies, witches, and maybe some Blue or Dr. McStephens to come to my door. There will be elaborate dresses that probably cost more than my wedding dress and creative dresses that look fresh off a Pinterest site. A sheet and a standard black cat will produce last-minute ghosts that have always been known to me. Some may not even have clothing. I don’t care – I’m willing to give candy to toddlers, kids, teenagers, and even adults, whether they have the best outfit or none at all. I love Halloween! Do I have rules and restrictions about who can trick or treat in my house?
Call me wild, call me crazy, but I’m free and loose with my candy bowl. If you come to my door on Halloween, I’m going to give you candy. Are you a toddler who has not yet learned to say “trick or treat” or a child who is very shy or non-verbal? It doesn’t matter, you don’t have to perform for me to get a piece of candy. Are you a teenager, or a group of teenagers? Step right up, and I might even give you two pieces to find treats instead of tricks to compliment your choice to celebrate one of your favorite holidays. Whether you live in my neighborhood or came here because you heard it’s a good place to trick or treat doesn’t matter to me. I don’t even care if you’re a full grown adult. I’ll give anyone the benefit of the doubt.
For all of you candy blockers out there, let me remind you, it’s candy, just candy. It’s not gold, Rolex watches, or precious gems – just candy. Some strays try to hide in the dreaded raisin boxes or even worse, toothbrushes. Is it just candy, or could it be more? Can giving freely make your Grinch-like heart grow a few sizes? Perhaps a smile and an exchange of candy can make the world a friendlier place for this magical evening? Generosity and kindness are rarely mistakes.
Sensitivity is important. Remember that many disabilities are invisible. A 35-year-old man with a mustache dressed as a cowboy might be a mentally disabled person who likes to dress up and go door-to-door to get candy. What kind of person would want to deny them the fun of Halloween? Trick-or-treaters go door-to-door filling pillows, buckets, and bags with candy and other goodies. You may see blue, blue, or purple buckets that indicate that one may need some additional consideration.
If everyone behaved well, there would be no need for different colored buckets. A kid shouldn’t have to carry a colored bucket to get a piece of candy, but (deep sigh), I guess they do sometimes. If you see someone carrying a blue bucket, it probably means they are autistic. This may, but not always, mean that they may not be able to communicate verbally and may have different behaviors. A bucket of tea indicates a food allergy. If you have non-food treats, this is a good opportunity to use them up. Purple buckets are for epilepsy. It’s good to be aware of differences, but kindness, patience, and understanding should cover them all.
I can’t wait to see all the ghosts and goblins at my door on Halloween. I think I’m wild and crazy and live without any rules, but I have a strict policy. Lights out at 10pm to mark the end of trick-or-treating. After all, I’m an old witch, disguised as a cat, who needs her beauty sleep.