Growing up in New York City, Halloween was a thrilling adventure where my friends and I would race through our neighborhood, racking up a multitude of candy. My older brother would take it to another level, gathering treats across 40 floors in a friend’s high-rise, sometimes even donning a different costume to maximize his haul. The night’s excitement was underscored by a glorious, mischievous spirit that allowed us to indulge freely in our candy cravings without the constraints we see today.
However, the current climate of trick-or-treating is notably different. The tradition now feels heavily influenced by overparenting, with many parents shadowing their children, enforcing rigid rules about candy intake and proper etiquette. In our wonderfully festive neighborhood, known for its extravagant Halloween decorations and generous treats, I often find myself disheartened to see polite children only taking a single piece of candy, hesitant as parents remind them to say thank you before they even enjoy their treats. This shift has caused concern for the spirit of Halloween itself, leaving many to ponder where the previous thrill of mischief went.
Reflecting on these changes was especially poignant at my uncle’s memorial service. He adored Halloween, reveling in the fun and delightful chaos it brought. About a decade ago, he observed a decline in the spirited nature of trick-or-treaters and lamented the loss of spontaneity. It’s a reality I also now recognize: parents prevalent in the streets, monitoring their children closely, adhering to an unspoken rule that seems to rob Halloween of its magic.
Interestingly, I find myself embodying these same experiences with my own kids, reminding them to stick to one piece and to express gratitude, all while suppressing my own childhood instincts to let loose. Parenting has evolved to such an extent that it often feels as though we are stifling any chance for our kids to relish a little harmless rebellion during Halloween.
Acknowledging the realities parents face—distractions such as traffic and safety concerns—there’s still a chance to strike a balance and allow our children to be kids on Halloween. I plan to give my son the independence to trick-or-treat with friends this year, stepping back while my daughter enjoys her own freedom.
Beneath the surface of today’s trick-or-treaters, there remains a flicker of that rebellious Halloween spirit. A memorable encounter from last year is a perfect example: a teenager who seized the opportunity to fill his bag with abandon, reminding me of the joy of embracing the holiday spirit in its fullest extent. After all, as my uncle would say, kids need to have a little spunk!
This Halloween, let’s remember the origins of this quirky celebration and foster a little more freedom for the upcoming generation to enjoy this cherished night of tricks and treats.