Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a Halloween party at a friend’s house, and for a while, I took on the role of candy distributor. It’s a role that, in recent years, seems to have diminished in my neighborhood due to the dwindling number of trick-or-treaters. Nonetheless, the experience was a delightful reminder of the magic that Halloween embodies and the unique opportunity it offers for kids to showcase their creativity.
As I greeted the kids in their costumes, I had a good laugh about a lot of them. Costumes have really become impressive since I was a kid. Of course, there were classic witches and ghosts, but then there was Spongebob and dinosaurs, and a really good costume of Arthur the aardvark! Each costume was a unique expression of a child’s imagination. It was a snapshot of a tradition that, in some places, like my neighborhood, appears to be fading away.
My Costume: Judgy Middle-Aged Man, apparently
However, I must confess that during my candy distribution duties, I caught myself being a tad judgmental at times. I found myself silently critiquing the older kids who still ventured out for treats and the ones who seemed to put minimal effort into their costumes. There was one teenaged trick-or-treater who simply donned a Spider-Man shirt on his head as a makeshift hat. As if to say that my imagination had to do all the work!
In that moment, I couldn’t help but make a connection between those who didn’t meet my perceived “standards” and the decline in Halloween participation. I felt as if the reason we didn’t have any trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood was because of these “punk teens!”
Reflection
But here’s where the beauty of hindsight comes into play. With the next day’s reflection, I’ve come to realize that even those youngsters who may not have put as much effort into their costumes are still actively participating in a tradition I hold dear. Sure, I might think they’re too old, but they don’t, and that’s all right.
We’ve all been there—making choices or doing things in our youth that, in retrospect, might embarrass us a bit. It’s a part of growing up, learning, and discovering who we are. So, who am I to judge these kids for their Halloween choices? Instead, I should embrace the fact that they’re out there, enjoying the spirit of the season, creating memories, and building connections with their community.
In conclusion, Halloween is about fun, creativity, and, most importantly, a sense of community. It’s a reminder that traditions evolve, and while they may look different from what we remember, they can still bring joy and a sense of togetherness. So, as we bid farewell to another Halloween, let’s cherish the moments, enjoy things as they are, and endeavor not to judge too harshly. After all, Halloween is about embracing the magic of the season and having a spooktacular time together. Happy Belated Halloween!
-Ryan
