Disclaimer: The following post is not an endorsement of public mischief and/or vandalism. Please exercise common sense and humour while reading and possibly carrying out the following.
So, I was having a great chat with a good friend the other day (as you do) and we were both reminiscing about Halloween and the fun we got up to as kids. Then we started to talk about how there seems to be an increase in ‘destination’ neighbourhoods these days. Not like in the past when you just stayed in your hood, nowadays some areas are becoming known for amazing decorations, video displays, fireworks and/or super generous treats and so kids/parents will make the trek to these uber-involved locations and do their treating there. Here’s the thing, with kids leaving their own neighbourhoods for greener pastures, this has resulted in a growing number of streets devoid of any Halloween participants. So now we have blocks with no kids and no houses with their lights on and no decorations. Wha?! So, then we asked our kids if they knew what ‘trick or treat’ actually means. They were surprised to learn that basically it’s a warning to give us a treat or we will trick you. After much discussion and probably a secret desire for general mischief making, we are of the opinion that perhaps we should start bringing back the trick! And I mean (insert disclaimer here), the wholesome but silly tricks of ‘ago’; toilet papering the bushes, silly string in the trees, turning their pumpkins upsidedown, soaping the window panes…maybe just a sticky note on the door calling out the party pooper. #harmless
Then we started to remember the more questionably appropriate ‘pranks’ we pulled as kids. Remember the flaming poo bag? (I will not elaborate here, if you don’t know it, I will not be held responsible for informing a new generation about the nuances of a good flaming poo bag.) Or one time, a bunch of us took a bag of raked leaves from one neighbor and spread them out over the lawn of another, classic. I cannot claim credit for the following but a great stunt was pulled by some ingenious kids that involved carving a whole army of pumpkins that appeared to be ‘throwing up’ their entrails and leaving them on a friend’s lawn so that the owners woke to find a fraternity of pumpkin heads vomiting decaying leaves and pumpkin seeds into their front garden. A few empty wine and spirit bottles scattered about really put the finishing touch on that impressive tableau.
Anyway, all I am saying is, you can’t have your candy and eat it too. If you want the free treats, you gotta give ’em out or beware of the consequences! I am sure there are many creative ways to do both.
Look at the brave souls who leave a full, unaccompanied assortment of goodies with a plea to take only 2 or whatever and share with those who come after. At the very least they are channeling the spirit of Halloween and safe-guarding themselves against any untoward activity (apart from stealing an entire bowl of candy).
Think of it as a counter-curse, after all it is Halloween.
Scary on my friends!