Cancel Trick Or Treating?

Other than helping Elliot disguise E.T., who has trick or treating truly benefited?

Lots of incidents reported across Canada of compromised Halloween candy. Is it really worth the risk to let kids trick or treat?

Cancel Trick or Treating? 

I picture the creation of trick or treating occurring back when everyone knew everyone else in their neighborhood. Any risk in scavenging for candy was seemingly non-existent. Now, you’re lucky to know the person next door, let alone the entire block.

We tell kids not to accept candy from strangers and then completely ignore that concrete rule one day a year.

I’m not suggesting we should cancel Halloween – dressing up is a blast for kids (and adults) and there seems to be little danger in attending parties at home, work and school. So let’s just ditch the door to door aspect which results in a threat to the safety of kids. That threat goes beyond candy as there are always incidents of vehicles colliding with candy seekers every Halloween.

Kids and the candy industry will obviously revolt against this blog entry but their opinions are biased and possess a conflict of interest. And, because I don’t have children, I know my opinion doesn’t count for anything either, as many parents have told me over the years (Haha. Ignorant much?). That’s why I’m asking parents, is it worth the risk?

Before you blurt out against the idea, think of the possible benefits. You save money from having to buy all that candy to give to strange, costumed children. For those Canadians who always endure sub-zero and often snowy Halloweens, you save money on having to buy a second costume that can fit over their snow suit. Your kids will have fewer rotten teeth and you will pack on less poundage from eating half the loot yourself.

It’s been well documented on the show that I turn out all the lights in the house and hide in my den for 2 hours to avoid candy zombies banging on the door.

No, this blog isn’t sparked by the feeling of being hostage in my own home once a year. I don’t feel that way at all. You make some popcorn and throw on a movie and enjoy the night. I actually look forward to Halloween for that reason alone. Plus, I love the costumes and creativity that comes with Halloween. I’m just asking, is trick or treating truly worth the risk?

No, this is not a petition to end trick or treating. It’s a free country so feel free to go ahead and get your half-pints collecting candy that you get to devour after they have gone to bed.

Maybe this blog entry is more for parents who do not let their kids participate in this ritual and get grief for it (ie. being labelled the scrooge of Halloween). If others have the freedom to participate, you have an equal freedom to not participate.

Ultimately the answer is no; trick or treating should not be cancelled. As with most things in life, there is definitely a risk but many parents obviously feel the reward is greater than that risk. As long as parents are diligent in their candy inspection, maybe we shouldn’t let a few psychos who anonymously wish to hurt children ruin the fun for everyone.

Perhaps I raised the question to begin with because I was never that interested in trick or treating. The fact it was always snowy and cold in northern Alberta played into it a bit and because I didn’t have much of a sweet tooth. I sure do love the pumpkin carvings, decor, parties, make up and creative outfits, though.

Happy belated Halloween. 

@theVinceofRock