Let’s face it, trick or treating is a blast! First you rush through the drama of figuring out what to be for Halloween, then you spend hours putting together the perfect costume, applying make-up, teasing your hair (or hiding it under a wig!), and then, you grab a sack or bucket and head out the door to canvas the neighborhood for delicious treats.
But, the lingering question looms, At what age should you call it quits?
Trick or Treating, How old is Too Old?
I have a confession to make, the last time I went trick or treating I was 17 years old. In all fairness, I convinced my (then) boyfriend and his best buddy that Trick or Treating was far more fun than smashing pumpkins and egging houses, the more common choice of fun among teens in our area. I hadn’t been trick or treating in a few years before that (since I was 13).
While most people were gracious and happy to see trick or treaters at their doors, I have to admit that I did get a couple of, “aren’t you too old for this?”, “Halloween is for little kids”.
The negative comments were more than enough to shame me into never going again. When you’re little and you knock at the door, you’re greeted with smiling faces who comment on how cute or neat your costume is, as you get old, you’re often greeted with raised eyebrows and skeptical glances.
Although I have long since given up trick or treating, I find myself presented with the same question this season as my own sons excitedly ask, “can we trick or treat this year?”
I’m inclined to say yes, I don’t care what their ages. In fact, the past couple of years we’ve gone to campgrounds during Halloween for the sheer purpose of handing out candy to the kids of all ages.
It’s been my experience that people who are camping like to have a good time, regardless of the age and seem to be less judgmental about whether others have a good time as well.
Leveling Up on the Halloween Treats
We’ve even gone so far as to put together a few alcoholic treats for those over 21. We give out “levels” of treats..
1 Candy and small toys for the little ones
2 Full Size candy bars for the teens, (these can be purchased bulk for better discounts!)
3 Airplane Bottle Liquor Shots or Caramel Candy Apple Shots for the adults.
In our house, Halloween starts about the middle of August and ends somewhere close to Thanksgiving. We frequent various haunted houses, hayrides, pumpkin patches, costume parties, and any and all festivals within 150 miles.
What do you think the cut-off age for trick or treating should be?
