Shut’er down early

Years ago, before we had children, my wife and I would keep a running tally of the kids who came to our door on Halloween night.

This is not uncommon, but our twisted list had two distinct categories for trick-or-treaters: A) cute and B) annoying (reserved for older kids just mailing it in).

Yes, it’s immature, but it’s not like we relayed our assessments to said trick-or-treaters. It was just clean fun, yet it did underscore our belief that there likely should be a maximum age for trick-or-treating.

I recall feeling ancient when I participated in the tradition in Grade 7, but free candy beckoned, so out I went. Really, the cut-off age should be around 13. If you’re in high school, it’s time to pack it in.

But if you are a “B-lister,” at least have the courtesy to put on a proper costume and show up before everyone is about to extinguish their jack-o’-lanterns.

– Chris

VS.

Why ruin the fun?

Halloween seems to be one of those nights you either love or hate. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of middle ground.

For the haters, I feel you; turn out your lights and hunker down for the blissful peace that is Nov. 1.

For the lovers I ask you this: why do we put an arbitrary cut-off age for when kids should stop trick-or-treating?

Why are we trying to stop the good fun that ensues?

I can honestly say that in Grade 9 I fully embraced Halloween.

I dressed up (as what, I can’t remember), met up with my new friends and had a great time at old fashioned trick-or-treating.

Sure, some may say that’s too old, but hey, I was respectful. I let the adorably cute kids go before me.

If the teens are dressed up, respectful, and just out to have a good time, who are we to ruin their fun?

– Jaime