Is it time to just say NO to Trick or Treats?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Is it time to just say NO to Trick or Treats? By Richard WeisserYes, I am a party pooper. And I guess that I am going to rain on many a parade.

And I’m not saying that Halloween is wicked or evil. Nor am I suggesting that there is anything wrong with costumes and parties and fun with friends and family.

But there was a time before mega-markets and discretionary disposal income when kids were not inundated with “luxuries” made of sugar and chocolate.

Halloween was a genuine treat for children that had very little excitement in their lives.

I recently saw a television commercial where a family was using smart phones to indentify which houses were giving out the best treats.

To me, that sums up my point perfectly. It’s no longer fun or special or a genuine treat. It’s just another competitive mission similar to winning a video game.

Also there is always a chance of somebody getting hurt. Children tend to lose awareness as they maneuver around in the dark and every year many revelers are injured in accidents.

And then there is the issue of liability. When you invite strangers to you door you are assuming responsibility for their safety while they are on your property. It’s a risk that should not be taken lightly.

Halloween could still be a lot of fun without Trick or Treats. Many have already eschewed the custom in favor of a more controlled festival.

Of course, people are free to do whatever they want.

I’m just saying that the underpinnings of the purposefulness of the ritual have eroded and that a move away from the annual practice is logical.

 

I’m just sayin’.

Comments (8)

Jill Sackler
Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500 - Long Beach, NY
LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate

I'm not opposed to what you're saying and I know that commercial. The baby and dog costumes are really cute, though.

Oct 30, 2013 11:55 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Richard. I couldn't agree with you more. To me, it is a new world and children can enjoy a party or a festival without the dangers of door to door.

Oct 30, 2013 11:56 PM
Bryan Robertson
Los Altos, CA

As with most holidays it all comes back to how "commercial" the whole thing has become.  This is why our kids only go out for a short time and call it a night.  We also limit the number of gifts at Christmas because we found that most of the gifts the kids got were simply ignored. 

Oct 31, 2013 01:48 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
RE/MAX Elite 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
RE/MAX Elite Warren County OH (Cincinnati/Dayton)

Richard, We haven't had a trick or treater in 20+ years.  Something to do with living in the country and having to walk a few hundred feet down a DARK tree lined driveway just doesn't seem to appeal to the kids!

Oct 31, 2013 03:51 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Sadly, it seems to me that the underpinnings of the purposefulness of the ritual is lost for so many holidays.

It's trick or treat day and the stores are LOADED with enough candy to reach to the moon and back.  Where does it all go??

Like Liz and Bill.  I'm in the sticks and haven't had a trick or treat visitor since moving here 7 years ago.

Oct 31, 2013 03:57 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I saw the same commercial and thought that they were just wasting time.  

Oct 31, 2013 08:23 AM
Kelly Young
The Platinum Group Realtors - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Real Estate ~ 719-226-0126

Richard, a thought that came to mind when I read this is with so much emphasis on diet (ie gluten, dairy, sugar, peanuts, etc) it seems like we would also start to see some other alternatives to candy.  I talked to a customer today who said that his church had some kind of extravaganza (named something) for kids and they had rock climbing just as one example of the fun and with this as their third year they had over 10,000 kids.  His job was hamburgers and he said, "we cooked absoutely everything we had" and all had a blast.  Maybe something new is happening....

Oct 31, 2013 12:06 PM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

yes Richard you are a party pooper.  I love Halloween and going to continue to give treats to those who come to my door.  (I even have a special bucket for peanut allergy kids)

Nov 02, 2013 12:52 PM

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