Holiday Blog

By Jadis

October 23, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I agree that once you reach a certain age, trick or treating is over. In my family, 13 was your last year. Once you entered high school, you were no longer allowed to ask your neighbors for candy. By that point, I felt to “mature” to to do more than escort my younger sisters around the neighborhood or go to friend’s Halloween parties anyway.

That being said, I think it’s up to the parents to establish the age limit for their children. Or rather, to raise them to be able to establish one for themselves. If a 16 year old doesn’t realize that trick or treating is a children’s activity, I have to wonder what else they are missing.

By CA

October 23, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

I have a few rules as to who I give candy to on trick-or-treat night. First, you have to wear a costume, and no, a sheet does not count. Have some imagination. Two, you have to be old enough to eat it, so that means no babies or young toddlers. Third, you have to be elementary or middle school age. I don’t give candy to teenagers or parents. Please, go buy your own candy!

By Wanda

October 23, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

I give everyone something that comes to my door on trick or treat night. If the kids are 15 and younger they get candy. If the others are over 15 they get cold bisquits left over from breakfast. They are good and neatly wrapped -just cold and hard.

By Elvira

October 23, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I had teenaged boys come to my door last year. They didn’t dress up as anything, and they didn’t even say Trick or Treat. They just stood there and held out a bag for candy. As I was passing out the candy I asked them Aren’t you a little old to be Trick or Treating? They didn’t even respond, they just looked at the ground and skulked away…

When I was a kid, Trick or Treat was on a certain night from 6pm to 8pm, and it was for kids 12 and under. Teenagers would rather DIE than be seen in costume going door to door.

By Emma

October 23, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I believe there is an age limit in theory, but I definately do not believe that the government should be able to say when. That is a step too far in regulation. For real, can you imagine it being illegal to trick-or-treat after 15? These kids are just trying to have fun too. And about the sheet comment… sometimes that is all a parent can afford. The economy sucks and financial obligations are more important than spending 30 - 50 dollars or more on a costume to be worn once. So I give credit to the parents that ransack their houses and make a costume for thier little ones, even if that includes just a sheet. And if you want to deny this child candy, shame on you. But I definately think people delve too far into rules. This is a holiday. One of fun. Make memories. Live it up. Life is too short to worry about the age of a trick-or-treaters. Worrying about stupid little things that in the end means nothing is not worth my health. I would never go, but to those that do, more power to them.

By Lissa

October 23, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

It was pretty well understood in my family that once you left elementary school (6th grade back then), no more trick-or-treating. It was a normal thing and went along with the transition to Jr High. It was simply expected and I didn’t know anyone that trick-or-treated past elementary school.

Then sometime in the early 90’s (while I was in high school), I noticed a trend of kids trick-or-treating at an older age (though still younger than me). I couldn’t believe it and thought they needed to “grow up.” Now it seems to be even more common and I think it’s a real shame. By that age you can by your own bag of candy and should leave visiting the neighbor houses to the little ones.

By Excuse Me..

October 23, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

My goodness…It is about having fun. I agree with you Emma, there is other things to worry about in this world than trying to ask Government to regulate our lives with age appropriate for a Holiday. Give the teen/parents candy. This will prevent them from going around throwing eggs at one another.

By George

October 23, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this

Unless you guys are running out of candy what’s the big deal? I find it hard to believe that you are getting a ton of older children who are coming by. I went trick or treating well past the age of 15 because it was fun. My only other options were to stay at home or go to parties where drinking other things were going on. Would you rather the older children be out causing trouble? It’s one day out of the year and why put an age limit on it?

Now I would love to have children or anyone come to my house on Halloween. I get maybe 3 kids a year. I end up with so much leftover candy that I have to either throw out or take to work with everyone else’s.

By Shelia

October 23, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Hey there. The Congress comment was really a stab at humor. I’m sure there are more important matters on the congressional agenda!

By Gram

October 23, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

I agree. We need a mandated age limit. It scares me to open the door to find a man looking harder at me than at the candy I’m offering!

12 was our last year. Once we hit teen-ager, we were through. My parents allowed me to have teen parties for Halloween, keeping teens off the streets at night (an invitation to trouble) and we had a great time doing all the normal Halloween activities like bobbing for apples, etc. My friends looked forward to it for years, asking every October if I was having the annual party.

By Tricia S

October 23, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Emma, you sound like you have a big heart and a sensible mind. Some of the others sound like they indeed don’t have enough to worry about. Good gosh, people - sometimes teens are holding on to childhood just a little. I would rather seem trick or treating than doing drugs or alcohol by the time they’re 13!

By Edward

October 23, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

We give anyone that comes to the door candy. First off, what we don’t give away we’ll eat and neither my wife or myself needs any candy. Second, it’s easier to give them candy and hope they don’t do any damage to your property for not giving them anything. Think about it, if the kids want to do something bad to someone they’ll pick the houses that stiffed them. Last but not least, I don’t know the whole story about why they don’t have a costume or that they may appear too old. There could be a good reason they don’t have a costume. Just because one or two kids don’t follow all the rules, we’ll still treat them all the same and be glad they came by. Happy Halloween!

By Wanda Morris

October 23, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Even teenagers are kids at heart. What is one or two pieces of candy. You do not have to buy the best. It is a fun time and I love giving it out! I wish the senior citizens would dress up and trick or treat with the teenagers. If everyone would stay close to their communities, a fun time could be had be all.

By Billy

October 23, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I loved trick or treating and did it through High School. I’d probably do it now at 27 if I could get away with it. I’m not much into the partying so it was always a fun way to get in the spirit.

By Teresa

October 23, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

I’m 33 and I still trick or treat

By Tee

October 23, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

I went trick or treating through High School and I loved it. It is a fun holiday and I just didn’t want to let go of my childhood. Now that I have my own child, I am excited to take him trick or treating as well.

As a society, we should stop being in such a hurry for kids to grow up.I would definitely rather see teens out trick of treating than drinking and driving.

By Big Kid

October 23, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

I was in 6th grade the last time I went trick-or-treating. I have no problem telling a 16 yr old that they are too old. Now that I’m in my 20s Halloween has a whole new meaning. It’s fun to get dressed up and go to the bars or a party. I’m so glad Halloween is on Friday this year so I’ll be out partying instead of home worrying about bratty kids.

By Super Dad

October 23, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

When the kids look too old to be trick or treating, I get my special bag full of Bit O Honeys, soy sauce packets, and other assorted items. I wish I could see the look on their faces when they empty the bag and find mini soaps, rubber bands, and hot sauce packets.

By Michelle

October 23, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable. Let these teenagers hold onto the last of childhood. Many of thenm are truly scared to be growing up so fast and looking toward a life of responsibilities, which we all know isn’t the funnest thing to look forward to. Some of you are just tight wads. It’s candy. Give up the goods or shut your porch light out on Halloween night.

By jo

October 23, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

My neighbor’s son is 10 years old and 5 foot 10. Who are you to judge how old he is and are you really going to stiff him his candy because he is too tall? As Linus or Charlie Brown might note, “Good Grief!”

By Tia

October 23, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

Ditto Michelle!!! Why are we in such a hurry for kids to grow up?

By Brian

October 23, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Also, none of this “my sister is home, can I get a piece in her bag for her too?”. No, you can share yours and be a good little brother or sister.

By Wendy the Witch

October 23, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

Wanda has the best idea ever!!! Cold, left-over, breakfast biscuits for the teens!!! LOL!

By Angelica

October 23, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

I’m sixteen and my friends and I will still go trick or treating. People will give us candy too, as long as we’re polite. I think its sad that you have lost your Halloween Spirit and have choosen to take something so small as giving out a piece of candy to a 20 year old a big deal!

For most kids trick or treating will fade away itself. (More Halloween parties to go to when your older.) You should be ashamed with yourself! Its sad enough to have to worry about college, future plans, money, etc and to a door slammed in my face just because I want to remember my childhood youth and hold on to a small portion of it is beyond wrong.

With todays economy, its hard to smile at life but if one piece of candy can make a person smile, isn’t it worth it? Even if that person is a 70 year old in a Santa suit?

By Bo

October 23, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Parents: it’s OUR responsibility to NOT ALLOW our teenagers to go trick or treating. No Government or law needs to be written. When our children reach the age of 13, tell them they are not allowed to trick or treat or they will be punished.

By Cayce

October 24, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

What is with you people?? Are you the ones who ask for more courtesy in every day life? Well, that’s starts at home. Cold biscuits and soy sauce packs? That’s just crotchety rude behavior.

We sit on our front porch with our neighbors, laugh, talk and give candy to anyone who walks up and says, “Trick or Treat.” When it’s gone, we wish our neighbors well, go inside and turn off the porch light.

It’s a night for generosity of spirit. People of all ages and colors stop by for a little treat. Stop micromanaging the world around you and have a little fun.

By Shels

October 24, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

Really? I can’t understand all these people who don’t want to give candy to teens. A large portion of these kids are really great kids just trying to have fun with their friends. I can’t beleive anyone would have a problem giving them a 5 cent peice of candy with a smile and be glad they were not there to smash their pumpkins.

By Kiera

October 24, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

My son is 14, has found a costume he likes, and will be trick or treating until HE decides it’s not what he wants to do. Adults love him, and to say on 1 night he can’t enjoy going out w/his siblings because of his age is ridiculous. My kids lose interest in the candy after a day anyway. I love seeing the costumes and neighbors. To be fined for trick or treating is ridiculous. Those who complain about this, probably complain all year long anyway.

By Frank N. Stine

October 24, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Although I wonder why teens would want to engage in a juvenile activity such as Trick or Treating, I do not believe that there should be an age limit mandated by government. I do believe, however, that there should be a time limit. Many of the older kids come after 9:00 PM. That is simply rude, disrespectful and unacceptable. Before 9:00, I give candy to anyone who comes to the door. After 9:00, it’s “Turn out the lights, the party’s over.”

By linny

October 24, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

These same people yammering about being too old to trick’or’treat… are the ones lamenting the way the teens get into gangs and alcohol and drugs and stuff… they grow up too fast, get into sex and all… but when they try to recapture — or hold onto — something from childhood, you treat them rudely or meanly!

And no way do i want the good ol’ guv’ment freaking regulating the age of trick’or’treaters!!!! my word people, don’t you see what you’re advocating there? Sure… let the government regulat this… next they’s be regulating how many presents (or how much can be spent on them) for birthdays … or how many days a week you can stop by Mickie-D’s for a quick burger (or wherever) … or how long someone’s hair can be … or how short … or what color your clothing can be for a specific environment …

I’m with the “bring ‘em on, the kids no matter what age” group — if they are respectful to me, and especially if they are creative and imaginative in costuming and theme — i’ll be happy to hand ‘em a candy or two!

And as to “late night doorbells” — just turn out the lights, folks. And like the phone — ignore the doorbell if you don’t want to talk to/see who’s on the other side!!! sheesh!!!

By S E M

October 24, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Well I have run into situations where the older kids were using very bad language, very inappropriate costumes, and one told my Daughter (in front of 2 three year olds that she was a WH@%E. I was very ugly and nasty. I think parents should put a limit to 12 & under for trick or treating. I stoped at 11 and I don’t feel as if I missed anything. Churches, schools, & malls have plenty for the older kids to do to feel festive & have fun…..

By S E M

October 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

corrected statement in above comment….. It was ugly and nasty…….not I oooops

By A Teen's Parent

October 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I’m the mother of 14-year old twins. They would love to go trick or treating this year but they said that last year a lot people were telling them they were too old and wouldn’t give them any candy. It’s just candy people! Sure I could just buy them a bag or they could possibly even get jobs (if the unemployment rate wasn’t already so high that they have to compete with adults for jobs). That’s not the point though. The point is the thrill of going door to door. The same excitement the younger kids feel the older ones do too. Maybe on a different level but it’s still there. They’re still kids!! I guess their contest of seeing who got the most candy at the end of the evening has come to a sad end. The decision to stop trick or treating should be teens choice not some judgemental adult who doesn’t realize that they are just trying to have some Halloween fun.

By whatever

October 24, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Here’s an idea, throw a halloween party with other teens in the neighborhood. They’ve got to stop one day. Time to grow up.

Silly parents, trick or treating is for kids.

By Lissa

October 24, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

For all the people claiming that teens are just trying to “hold onto their childhood” - do they still believe in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny too? There comes a time when children need to grow up a little. Trick-or-treating should end at/before puberty. What’s wrong with staying home and giving out candy? or going to a movie? or just “hanging out”? Why assume sex, drugs, and alcohol as the logical alternative for teens?

If the teens really want to dress up, why not hand out candy to the little ones while in costume? I’ve done that - and they get a kick out of it. Even better, check out Dragon*Con, where adults in costumes wandering around all day is accepted and encouraged. :)

By DEE SV AZ

October 26, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH TEENS GOING TRICK OR TREATING? WOULD YOU RATHER HAVE THEM BAG SNATCHING OR EGGING OR TPING YOUR HOUSE OR SOMETHING STUPID LIKE THAT. WOULDNT YOU RATHER KNOW YOUR TEENS ARE TRICK OR TREATING INSTEAD OF DOING THOSE OTHER THINGS OR DOIN DRUGS? I AM AN 18 YR OLD FEMALE AND I AM GOING TRICK OR TREATING WITH MY FRIENDS THIS YEAR VARYING IN AGE FROM 15-18. ITS FUN NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT WE ARE JUST HAVING A LITTLE FESTIVE SPIRIT AND BASICALLY KEEPIN ON EYE ON THE LITTLE ONES ROAMIN THE STREETS HELL LAST YR I WENT TorT A LITTLE GIRL FELL BEHIND HER GROUP FELL DOWN AND HURT HERSELF BADLY AND ME BEING BIGGER AND FASTER I WAS ABLE TO PICK HER UP AND RUSH HER TO HER GROUP SO SHE COULD GET CLEANED UP CALMED DOWN AND THE PEOPLE DIDNT REALISE SHE WAS BEHIND THEM AND HAD FALLEN. IF ANOTHER LITTLE KID HAD SEEN THAT WOULD THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HELP NO AS THEY ARE SMALLER. SO AS I SEE IT TEENS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE FUN TorT AND THEY ARE ABLE TO KEEP ON EYE ON THE LITTLE ONES AND ALL THAT STUFF JEEZE

By Samantha Swanson

October 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

im 13, and going trick or treating this year, and it probably will be my last year. im very tall so i hope i dont get discarded with no sweets :(

By Samantha Swanson

October 28, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

im 13, and going trick or treating this year, and it probably will be my last year. im very tall so i hope i dont get discarded with no sweets :(

By T-34

October 28, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I stopped trick or treating at 12. I was a tall child so I was always mistaken to be much older but I do agree that 13 should be a limit. If you are 15 and 16 and still going out trick or treating, my suggestion is to get a job and buy your own candy, let the younger children get there treats.

By karley

October 28, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

no i think if you are under 18 you should be able to go trick or treating there minors so technically their children

By karley

October 28, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

no i think if you are under 18 you should be able to go trick or treating there minors so technically their children

By autumn

October 28, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

ok seriously people. Your taking this way too far. Just because you grew up on pre-conceived notions with age limits doesn’t mean that the teens should just simply be discarded or ignored! This is 2008 people. I’m 15 and me and my 17 year old sister are going trick-or-treating wether some snotty people wanna give us a freakin peice of candy or not! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we don’t want to go out and have fun with our friends too. I agree with people who don’t believe in age limits. When i get older i wont simply ignore anyone even if they happen to be 65 and want some candy! If you’re going to be that serious and stingy with your candy then I advise you to not even but a $5.00 bag of candy.

By autumn

October 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

ok seriously people. Your taking this way too far. Just because you grew up on pre-conceived notions with age limits doesn’t mean that the teens should just simply be discarded or ignored! This is 2008 people. I’m 15 and me and my 17 year old sister are going trick-or-treating wether some snotty people wanna give us a freakin peice of candy or not! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we don’t want to go out and have fun with our friends too. I agree with people who don’t believe in age limits. When i get older i wont simply ignore anyone even if they happen to be 65 and want some candy! If you’re going to be that serious and stingy with your candy then I advise you to not even but a $5.00 bag of candy.

By autumn

October 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

ok seriously people. Your taking this way too far. Just because you grew up on pre-conceived notions with age limits doesn’t mean that the teens should just simply be discarded or ignored! This is 2008 people. I’m 15 and me and my 17 year old sister are going trick-or-treating wether some snotty people wanna give us a freakin peice of candy or not! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we don’t want to go out and have fun with our friends too. I agree with people who don’t believe in age limits. When i get older i wont simply ignore anyone even if they happen to be 65 and want some candy! If you’re going to be that serious and stingy with your candy then I advise you to not even but a $5.00 bag of candy.

By autumn

October 28, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

ok seriously people. Your taking this way too far. Just because you grew up on pre-conceived notions with age limits doesn’t mean that the teens should just simply be discarded or ignored! This is 2008 people. I’m 15 and me and my 17 year old sister are going trick-or-treating wether some snotty people wanna give us a freakin peice of candy or not! Just because we’re older doesn’t mean we don’t want to go out and have fun with our friends too. I agree with people who don’t believe in age limits. When i get older i wont simply ignore anyone even if they happen to be 65 and want some candy! If you’re going to be that serious and stingy with your candy then I advise you to not even but a $5.00 bag of candy.

By Sarah

October 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

Alright I am eighteen years old, I’ve gone to nearly every haunted house in my city and yet I’m dissatisfied. My boyfriend and I have decided to pick up a little face paint and some fangs and just prowl the neighborhoods, maybe scare a couple kids or two. who knows. Thing is, it sucks not really having anything to do- movies are boring, friends are all at different colleges. I’m short for my age and I can pull off looking young if I wanted to- BUT even though we have the money to buy the candy ourselves, it’s just not as fun. there is no spirit in buying your own cavity-rotting poison, it’s just boring. Halloween is a time of celebration no matter the age. The thing that teens these days do not realize is that they need to go out RIGHT before the nine-ish time- because usually all the younger ones have picked up their candy and gone right on home, besides the dwindlers. The reason for this is because, if in an older neighborhood, the residents really WANT to give up their candy. Be polite, say the “trick or treat” bit, say thank you and go on your way. You’ll receive only utmost kindness.

And I’m trick or treating until I feel bored with it all. :D because to me, it’s the best holiday.

By David in Snellville

October 30, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I have been passing out candy to small children for about 30 years now. I have found that the older kids don’t wear costumes when they go trick or treating. That’s why this year I am going to put a sign in my yard before they get to my porch that says, “Sorry. No costume, no treat.” Hopefully, no individual teen will feel I am picking on them personally and will not trick my house. I hope it works.

By David in Snellville

October 30, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Autumn —- Just push the Post button one time, OK?