When did older teens without costumes start ruining Halloween?

[Bertha Venation]

Fall is nearly here -- today's weather, glorious, is the first taste of it -- and the pumpkin lots are in business. I've been thinking about how much I used to love giving out candy on Halloween.

Used to love. In the last few years, though, older teenage kids -- I mean, BIG kids, old enough to have jobs -- have come to our door (sans costume, by the way) and merely looked me in the eye and held out their bags. I resent them and give them candy anyway.

When did this fun little children's tradition become a venue for shameless candy beggars? It pisses me off.

Grr.

(I feel like posting a sign at the base of our outdoor staircase that reads "CHILDREN in costume only." I won't, because that would make some little kid in a sheet feel ashamed.)

[blondeatlast]

1. I tell them theirs are the worst costumes I've ever seen, give them ONE

piece, and send them on their way.

Most of them don't even bother with me anymore. :evilgrin:

I do hate it; I love to see the little ones all dressed up, though.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

2. I don't care how old they are, as long as they come in costume.

Some people are just young at heart...I figure it's easier to buy a bag of candy than march yourself around town begging for it. But half the fun is doing just that. Besides, I was tall for my age and everytime I went trick or treating and someone would say "aren't you a little old to be trick or treating?" it made me feel really really bad. Jerks. They probably made me quit a year or so before I should have.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

9. That's another point I was going to make

a lot of kids ARE big for their age and people assume they are older than they are. It's hard for those kids every day of the year, but especially at Halloween and Christmas!

[blondeatlast]

31. As long as they wear a costuem, I don't have a problem. nt

[curse10]

3. I hate that too

Halloween is not just a holiday for kids, but trick or treating definitely is. They should at least be wearing a costume!

What I find even sadder is the decrease in trick or treaters. We had one last year. My mom's neighborhood, which used to be filled with kids, has seen a drastic drop off in recent years. People go to malls and shit now. What's the fun in that?

[Darth_Kitten]

4. You don't have to give them anything.....

I'd tell the young punks to get off my property!!! (if I had property.....) :)

you are too kind to them.....

[Ediacara]

5. You GET trick or treaters?

Trick or treaters don't exist anymore, as it's now too "dangerous" to be going to strangers' homes, and the only "safe" way to go out on Hallowe'en is to go to the mall.

And while you're there, you may as well shop too!

[LibDemAlways]

25. There's a neighborhood ten minutes from mine where

the majority of the people go all out with decorations. Many of the homeowners sit on lawnchairs in their driveways handing out candy, so kids don't even have to go up to the door. It's very festive, and people of all ages are out in costumes having a good time. Around here even the teenagers get decked out. I suspect it has to do with the Hollywood influence nearby.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

26. That's what we do and we aren't anywhere near Hollywood

adults wear masks, makeup, etc and we all sit out in our driveways in lawn chairs. There's music cranked up everywhere and we just enjoy the parade of kids running around (we get our street blocked off by the city). The adults might partake in a beverage or two, but not enough that we can't watch the kids of all ages.

[blondeatlast]

32. I generally wear some sort of get-up when I escort my 7 yo.

Nothing spectacular; but it's just fun.

[skygazer]

6. Long ago

I remember when I was a kid trick or treating back in the 60's and 70's and there were always older kids with no costumes roaming around knocking on doors as well. Perhaps they're more noticable now because fewer of the small fry are allowed to trick or treat. Too bad - it was such fun to see all the kids in costume. Now people are more paranoid about sending their little ones out.

[oneighty]

7. We take them all

Awkward teens today soldiers tomorrow. We laugh joke treat them like people. It is free.

180

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

11. Great post, I feel the same way.

Last year, I saw a truckload of teenagers come barreling through our neighborhood. They were going way too fast. They WERE in costume, though. When they had to stop because of a little kid trying to cross the street, I took the opportunity to go over to the driver and ask VERY VERY nicely (they do appreciate that, just like anyone else) if they would please slow down, we didn't want any little kids run over and I assured him I knew he didn't want to do such a thing. I also told him some of his friends in the bed of the truck were dumping trash in the street and he might want to say something. I smiled, wished him a Happy HAlloween. He was the NICEST most respectful kid. He pulled over, got out, CHEWED out his friends and told them to pick up the trash, then apologized to me and said he'd slow down.

[Bertha Venation]

17. I like this POV.

Thanks, 180. :shakeyourhand:

[blondeatlast]

33. Nice perspective, Ed. Thanks; I'm rethinking my attitude.

You remind me of my dad in so many ways; that's a real compliment, btw. My dad was the BEST.

[oneighty]

34. Did you get your book?

My wife is a talented costume maker. She makes up our teen grandchildren. It is a really fun day in our family. With the teen grands we of course get a lot of teenagers.

Thank you for the kind thoughts.

180

[blondeatlast]

37. I did, I'm enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks! nt

[oneighty]

39. Good!

I hope.

180

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

8. Sigh.

It's a problem. Though I have gone back to practicing Buddhism, I cannot claim strength in this area.

You know what we did on our block? We realized the older kids really did HATE giving up trick or treating (and who can blame them?) so we organized a fun party for them with adult presence. They still LOVED it. They got to help with the smaller kids and have their own music and fun. We sort of let them have a bit more leeway with music volume, etc that night. Our street organizes it for the kids 13 and up living on our street AND their friends they want to invite (limit of two guests per teen resident of street). All the houses participate. We give them loads to do with the younger kids earlier in the day/evening and then we let them sort of cut loose later.....they can open their bedroom windows and blare their music. We get the city to block off our street and they can set up their skateboarding ramps, ride their bikes in the middle of the street, etc.

What they mostly end up doing is sitting in little clumps in the street talking and laughing and drinking Cokes. Gorging themselves on candy.

It really works out well for everyone. And they are right here so we can watch them.

I wish more streets did things like that for teenagers.

Edit: I wanted to add, earlier in the day is for the little ones and the teens on our street are used to help---each house does something fun like making homemade candy, decorating someone's living room with black crepe paper, etc. The older kids help and LOVE it, because they know their time is coming later!

[curse10]

14. That is a GREAT idea

You must have great neighbors, Moonbeam :-) (yourself included!)

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

21. Actually I give my neighbors more credit

as they actually have teenagers and I don't yet (mine will be ten soon).

But I have been teaching teenagers for years (high school and middle school) and I truly enjoy their company and think they are charming creatures (yes, I really do). So I advocated for them.

[arwalden]

10. I Tell Them "You're Too Old" or "No Costume, No Treat"

I'm thinking about making a cartoon-y cutout sign of a ghost or witch that stands 4-feet tall that says "You must SHORTER than me to trick or treat at this house."

-- Allen

[Nikia]

27. That's too short

I was that tall when I was 6.

[arwalden]

29. Okay... 5 feet.

Perhaps I could rig something that would let me raise it up temporarily to make exceptions for the tall kids.

[mark414]

12. this is a great Curb Your Enthusiasm episode

second season, check it out

[SemiCharmedQuark]

13. They don't do it for the candy...

They do it for the fun. Please understand, if they just wanted candy, they could buy a 2 pound bag for a buck. They do it because as moonbeam said, they don't want to give up the fun. And that's what halloween is about, fun. I give candy to anyone who comes to my door because dammit, I don't get very many trick or treaters anymore and anyone that has the time and patience to go door to door to get a tootsie roll from some houses and nothing but a swift kick in the rear from others deserves it.

[Shananigans]

49. Yay!

I second that motion. I'd rather have them out trick or treating, than sitting at some satanic party getting wasted and then driving home. ;)

[Morning Dew]

15. They're too old when . . .

they ask you for a light for their cigarettes. This actually happened to me a couple years ago. I told her, you can have a light or you can have candy. She took the candy.

[likesmountains 52]

16. I have separate candy

the "good stuff" for the little kids, and cheap candy for people who look too old to be trick or treating...

[arwalden]

18. Break open a pack of NECCO wafers... dump them into a bowl...

and drop one or two wafers in their grocery bags.

[shraby]

20. I just have them sing me a song...like Mar;y had a

Little Lamb. They laugh and sing. I call them the tweenies..they aren't children anymore and they aren't adults. They don't really have much else they can do on Halloween, too young unless the area they live in puts on a party for them.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

23. Have them sing "I'm a Little Teapot" it cracks them (and you) up EVERY

time!!! LOL!

[SemiCharmedQuark]

24. Yep, most Halloween parties include alcohol

For the last twelve Halloweens I've had nothing to do but sit home. I like dressing up, and so I would, for the trick or treaters. Couldn't go out trick or treating even with the BEST costume without getting mocked. Couldn't go to a party since I wasn't 21. This will be the first year that I can actually go to these adult functions since I turn 21 the day before.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

19. How old are people on this thread

that want to chase people off their doorsteps with rakes? Gee whiz! I'm really surprised. No wonder nobody trick or treats anymore.

[jpgray]

22. There's enough candy to go around

If you're an older teen, going around to get candy on Halloween shouldn't be plan A anyway, so I feel a little sorry for them. After all, older teens can just buy the damn candy. I will give good candy to anyone who comes asking for it--it's the Halloween spirit. :) Halloween isn't just for cute toddlers or kids, after all, it should be fun for everyone.

[Nay]

46. Amen. I give candy to everybody who can get into the spirit of

it, costume or not. It's a great holiday and no one should get shut out of it. Isn't it bad enough that the fundies and the scaremongers have pissed on such a wonderful time?

One year, when our son was 16, he decided to stand next to our walkway as if he was a stuffed mannequin with an ax in its hands. As the kids passed, he'd take a step toward them and ...they jumped out of their skins when they saw the mannequin move. He, of course, did not do this to the very little kids. Everybody had a great time and a great scare!

[Nikia]

28. I wish that I had trick or treaters

The first year that we were here, I bought several bags of candy and had 2 trick or treaters. I think part of the problem is that trick or treating is done on the Sunday afternoon before Halloween when it isn't even close to getting dark. I know that it is probably for safety and everything but I always had fun as a kid trick or treating Halloween evening. It is more in the Halloween spirit.

[ghostsofgiants]

30. ...

I gave up going out on Halloween when I was 17 (2 years ago) but even then I wore a costume. (Went out as a ninja that year, http://www.realultimatepower.net/index3.htm">Real Ultimate Power style.)

Now I'm usually in charge of handing out the candy and just munch on that stuff. Between that and my two brothers, I don't need to go out on Halloween anymore, haha.

[undergroundpanther]

36. I trick or treat

I'm an adult.Since I take some littler ones with me,but when I do I get into costume and go I hold out my candy bag,with no shame..I look at it like this,I do a helluva lot of walking,and dammit I want something for it.(nevermind my "stash" is shared with everyone when I get home)
I think trick or treating should include costuime.I don't care if kids or adults show up,it's a celebration,they just need to have a costume.
I'd rather see adults and teens looking for candy ,while the little ones are,all dressed up than exclude teens so they go egg the little kid or the'geeks'I'ts easier to know what's going on in your neighborhood when you are PART of it.

Besides I like trick or treating,It's better than going to bars with a bunch of crass horney drunk adults and dealing with thier 'issues'. I get sick of alosing the costume contest to a bunch of no talent T&A in a bad costume because drunk horney men wanna fuck that and forget a costume contest is about costume not porn.I really HATE adult halloween it's all about booze and getting laid,it just is NOT fun celebratory or joyful to me.Adult halloween has no magic it's crass,boring and shallow.I hate going to bars, the music is so loud you can't talk,you can't sit down socialize and relax,and there are too many fucking drunks flirts,pervs,and high people you can't relate to anyone really.If the bar is a meat market you get oogled at all night.If it's not you got drunks and high people partying till they puke.The fun is not there. Adult "parties" suck.Because adults,too many of them are miserable in life and booze or sex is a numbing/escape from misery of day to day.

[sbj405]

35. Even the little ones can't seem to muster the "trick or treat"

I had a few last year that said "gimme candy." Though I'm actually amazed that parents actually let their kids out still. I know very few of my neighbors.

Bertha, I like the idea of the sign or perhaps a play on the "you must be this tall to ride" sign at amusement parks. :-)

[LoZoccolo]

38. I was doing this back in 1987.

In 1986, I got home from tennis practice and brought my racquet around with me and told people I was a tennis player.

[LoZoccolo]

40. Also, one year we did this thing...

...where we made an agreement that if someone handing out candy came to the door in a costume, we would all act like we were so fucken scared and yell and run away. Actually there weren't many, but someone came to the door with an Ernest mask, as in Ernest Goes to Camp and "hey Vern" and all that - we booked like "AAAAAAAAH!" I remember looking back and seeing them looking around like they just couldn't understand what we freaked out about.

[LanternWaste]

41. Try using the sign... I did and it works.

For the past three Halloweens, I've put a Halloween-style flyer on the front door that read, "You must be in costume and no older than 15 to receive candy here. (Video surveillance in progress)". Doesn't make a difference if the costume sucks or not... it's easy to see how at least tried.


I'm not a wealthy guy and I'm not going to be forced to deny 7-year-old girls in princess costumes and their brothers in Batman costumes sweets simply because adult's don't know how to act their age.

Yeah, I'm a Halloween-grinch, but the kids *love* it!

[barb162]

42. I am glad you mentioned this

I feel the same way when these 6 foot tall kids come with no costumes. I also have a problem when parents are in cars from other neighborhoods (actually some other suburbs) and they come here to do trick or treating. There are plenty of kids from my own neighborhood out for Halloween treats, let me tell you!

[Logansquare]

43. I asked one teen wearing a "Freddy" mask "Aren't you a little old?"

And he said, (in a cracking voice) "But I like candy, too." I gave him some. Usually I just give them one piece and say "I'm giving you one piece so I'll have enough for the *little* kids." And they can't argue with that.

Halloween gives us the opportunity to meet the children in our neighborhood, which is largely low-income. It's often a poignant experience. Some very young children trick-or-treat on their own, with no adult supervision. Other children have sad, half-assed costumes--perhaps just a $5.00 drug store mask, or lipstick smeared on their faces. I think back appreciatively on how my parents, who did not have much money, knocked themselves out to make cute costumes for us out of paper bags, extra fabric, or grown-up clothing and jewelry.

That's a bit of a digression. What I want to say is that I feel the same way Bertha does, but at the same time am reminded of how little some of these kids seem to have.

[daddybear]

44. Well, let's see

I remember some in the 1950's....heathern teens will always be just that, heathern teens.

[scarlet_owl]

45. I give those kids the crappy candy.

Like peanut butter kisses and Mambas. I save the peanut butter cups for the cute kiddies in costumes.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

47. We turn teens without costumes away....

And we have someone positioned out on the roof with a water hose. If someone tries to vandalize, we spray them all down with water, and then call their parents.
Duckie

[2bfree]

48. Doesn't really bother me..........

I give to everyone who comes by until I run out of candy at that point I turn out the lights and don't answer the door. It seems to me that the kids who come by late and are older seem to be on the poor side and are usually pretty nice if you chat with them.

[tigereye]

50. ah, I give it to them anyway

I tease them and say, and What are you?

We don't get a lot of treaters, so it works out. I think they just don't want to give up being kids. Although, I did get one guy wearing a triple-horned demon -type Satanic-type mask ( i thought it was funny, but I bet not everyone else did), so maybe it is better that the teens don't wear costumes. ;)

[B. P. R. D.]

51. Ask Larry David.

He has the answer.