A Comprehensive Guide to Handling Halloween Trick-or-Treaters: Tips and Insights
Halloween is a beloved holiday celebrated worldwide, bringing joy and excitement to children who dress up in costumes and go door-to-door, shouting 'trick or treat' in hopes of a candy haul. While the experience is generally pleasant, some scenarios can present challenges, particularly when an adult elects to participate in the tradition. This article offers a detailed guide on how to handle adult trick-or-treaters, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
The Scenario: An Adult Knocking on Your Door
Every Halloween, stories arise about adults who choose to participate in the traditional 'trick or treat' experience. These individuals often walk around neighborhoods in elaborate costumes, sparking a mix of curiosity and concern among homeowners. It's important to approach these situations with caution and understanding.
Responding to Mentally Healthy Adults
According to one seasoned homeowner, if an adult seems to be a mentally healthy individual, they would adjust their response based on the time of night. Early in the evening, they would politely request that the individual return later to ensure they have enough candy for the children. By the later hours, they might provide some candy, depending on how late it is.
Supporting Individuals with Mental Handicaps
For individuals who may have some sort of mental handicap, the homeowner mentioned several steps they would take. First, they would try to gather information about how the person got to their neighborhood and how they might return home. Providing candy could be a kind gesture, and in critical cases, they would call for assistance to ensure the individual receives proper help.
Security and Safety Measures
In certain situations, such as when hosting a Halloween party, the homeowner might have additional security measures in place. For example, if they were hosting a party like Lee Ho's, they might have a video doorbell which could help in monitoring the situation.
One inquisitive homeowner heard the phrase, 'It's Lee Ho's turn this year' and responded playfully, 'Fred you dweeb. I threw the Halloween party last year,' highlighting the passing of the tradition from one host to another.
Handling Adult Trick-or-Treaters
In some neighborhoods, homeowners might not turn on the lights or open the door to trick-or-treaters. However, if they chose to participate, they would still treat adults kindly, giving them candy just as they would to children. Some homeowners noted that in the past, there was a house that required a small trick in exchange for a full chocolate bar, and it was never met with refusal.
Dealing with 'Trick' Requests and Pranks
Surprisingly, some individuals might suggest 'tricks' rather than 'treats' to children, which can be confusing and concerning. One homeowner stated that calling for a trick would be a foolish request, likely leading to pranks such as eggs being thrown on their house or property damage. To avoid these headaches, they preferred to always give candy, ensuring that trick-or-treaters leave content and leave no mess behind.
Another common issue is the disruption caused by pranks. Homeowners explained that having eggs thrown at their house or having garbage spread on their lawn could be devastating. Therefore, they preferred to handle all trick-or-treaters with a generous supply of candy, ensuring that neither side feels wronged or left out.
Conclusion
Handling adult trick-or-treaters requires a balanced approach, combining kindness with security. Whether dealing with a mentally healthy adult or someone with a handicap, providing candy and assistance when necessary is key. Always prioritize safety and leave the door open for neighbors to enjoy the tradition in a harmonious manner.