Halloween is just around the corner, which means miniature fairies, witches, ghosts, action heroes and maybe even a monster or two are going to be walking up to homes, ringing the doorbell and shouting “trick or treat!”
Many homeowners will decorate their homes in Halloween style with graveyards or scary creatures lurking behind trees and bushes. Others will answer the door dressed in costumes themselves. And, of course, don’t forget the candy.
If you are planning on participating this Halloween, keep in mind these etiquette tips so everyone can have a safe Halloween.
* Turn on your porch light if you want kids ringing your doorbell and yelling out “trick or treat.” If you don’t, turn off all the lights on the outside of your house.
* If you decorate your yard for Halloween, make sure trick or treaters can easily walk to your front door without fear of tripping. Don’t stretch electrical cords across walkways or driveways, and strategically place lamps or lights along the walk so everyone can see where they’re walking.
* Keep in mind the hour, because there’s a good chance your neighbors won’t appreciate having ghoulish sounds echoing or a strobe light flashing up and down the street at midnight. Many communities set specific trick-or-treat times, which will make it easy for you to know when to have the decorations and accompanying sounds working.
If you’re walking your kids around your neighborhood this Halloween, here are some additional etiquette tips for you:
* One piece of candy is enough, and teach your children to say “thank you.”
* Trick or treat with a friend, family member or co-worker and their children. Always have a parent chaperone on hand.
* Only visit houses with lights on.
* Know that “tricks” can lead to consequences, and vandalism is a crime, even on Halloween.
* Don’t sample the treats until you’ve had a chance to examine them closely. One way to help prevent your children from digging in immediately after the first house is to feed them a good dinner before heading out.
Use these trick-or-treat safety tips to celebrate a safe Halloween this year. And remember – have fun no matter if you’re young enough to say “trick or treat” or are sitting by the front door and handing out candy.
