Many high schoolers, including sophomores like me, still enjoy trick-or-treating. But since 7th grade or so, the adults have been skeptical. They wonder why we’re still trick or treating. Well, we’re still kids. We love Halloween, and we want to be out with our friends. Still, it’s understandable that adults think this way. They want little kids to feel safe so that they can have fun, and they themselves want to feel safe opening up the doors to their homes. Here’s a guide with ten tips for being a successful teenage trick-or-treater.
Timing is everything:
In Huntington Woods, for example, the official trick-or-treating time is 6-8 p.m. Don’t go out any earlier than 7:20. Let the little kids rule the streets on the early side. On this night, they should only have ghosts and goblins to fear, not big, scary teenagers.
You need a real costume:
No, your Pistons jersey doesn’t count. You have to earn the candy. Everyone knows that teenagers are lazy. A little planning goes a long way. Ask your parents for help. Don’t worry: they won’t tell.
No gory costumes:
You’re trying to convince the neighbors that you’re not a menace ruining the experience for the little kids and you still deserve to be trick-or-treating. Guts and blood don’t help your case.
Be polite:
Treat every person opening the door like your favorite aunt. Be kind, respectful, and friendly. Remember, you’re asking them for candy, and you don’t want to get stuck with stale Whoppers and puny Almond Joys from the bottom of the bucket.
No side eye:
It goes without saying that a side eye or dirty look isn’t polite. If you do get one of those Almond Joys, just smile and say thank you. Remember, these people probably know your parents.
No cars:
There are little kids everywhere. You shouldn’t be driving around on Halloween. Also, Halloween is a neighborhood activity. The adults don’t want to see you driving around and cheating the system.
Do your business at home:
A bush is not a toilet, nor should you expect someone to let you, a stranger, use their bathroom. Before you go out, use your own bathroom. If you need to go while you’re out, head home or to a friend’s.
Make your parents give out candy:
This needs to be a part of the deal. If you’re a teenager and you’re trick-or-treating, your parents better be giving out candy, too. Make sure it’s good stuff.
Be nice to the little kids:
For a little kid, this is the biggest day of the year. Do not ruin it.
Take one!!:
When the lights are turned off and the take-one buckets are out on the porch, just take one! Leave some candy for everyone else.
Trick-or-treating as a teenager can still be fun if it’s done the right way. Follow the rules, treat everyone with respect, and let the little kids have their night. If you play your cards right, you might walk away with a pillowcase full of Reese’s instead of a pocketful of Almond Joys.
