The Halloween Debate – Is This the New Normal?

Halloween is officially here! As a new parent, I’m excited for tonight’s festivities, but I can’t get one thought out of my head, and it has nothing to do with the costumes, candy, or Jack-O’-Lanterns. Should I take my small child trick-or-treating around our block, or would it be a better experience to take him to a community sponsored event?

In recent years, the number of trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood has dwindled down to only a few kids, parents, and high school students. One rapacious candy hunter always seems to help themselves to the entire bowl of candy we left out. Our neighborhood officially feels like a ghost town. Where have all the young families and trick-or-treaters gone?

Over the years, I have noticed a new trend and shift in activities on Halloween night. Cities, churches, and community recreational clubhouses now host their own Halloween celebrations. In 2006, the New York Times first reported the trend called trunk-or-treating. This idea transfers “Halloween from the uncertain streets to the safety of church and school parking lots, turning the backs of minivans and sport utility vehicles into the new front porch.” In addition, theme parks host month-long activities such as Knott’s Scary Farm and Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland. Halloween has now stretched from a one-night gathering to a week-long celebration. The options can be bit overwhelming for a new mom.

Eight years ago, my church jumped on the bandwagon with “The Harvest Festival”, a mini carnival that has become one of the community’s favorite events. It is a joyful night of candy, hot dogs, games, and a petting zoo. But every Halloween night, as I head over to my church, I shed a tear because, I am not investing time in my own neighborhood or my mini-community. I find myself longing for a simple night of dressing up and taking a few laps around the block instead of racing across town.

I have a new goal this year. I want to be to be present in my neighborhood and attend my church’s community sponsored event. Will it be a crazy night? Probably, but, I refuse to let go of the nostalgic memories of my childhood. Trick or treating was one of the most freeing and exhilarating holidays of the year and I want to continue that tradition with my son. Happy Halloween, everyone!