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It’s that time again…. the doorbell rings, and it’s the munchkin from down the street dressed up as either a princess or the Incredible Hulk, standing at your door.  Mom or dad is usually a couple of steps back, offering moral support.  The kids seem to always forget to say, “Trick or treat” when you answer the door.  You throw a handful of candy into their bag, close the door, and wait another 2 minutes before it rings again.  Halloween.

Halloween seems to have changed a little since I was a kid.  There doesn’t seem to be quite as much excitement as there used to be.  I remember looking forward to dressing up for days, and after we trick or treated, we would meet up and run around the neighborhood for a while, looking for an opportunity to throw an egg or a roll of toilet paper.

What brought about the changes?  First of all, there is a safety concern these days for our kids that wasn’t necessary in years gone by.  In the 70s, stupid people began to put razor blades in apples and taint candy with unhealthy stuff, and suddenly parents had to scrutinize what their kids were bringing home.  Not only that, but today, parents are concerned (and rightly so) about the safety of their kids while out trick or treating.  When I was a kid, my parents didn’t feel the need to accompany me.  But for most parents today, going along is a no- brainer.

Another change is in the way Halloween is viewed by the religious element of our society.  This is interesting, because it’s been an evolution of how some churches view Halloween.  When I was a kid, I don’t remember any type of objection of celebrating Halloween from within the church.  Kids dressed up, went out, collected candy, and that was that.  Then, in the 70s and 80s, there arose an objection to Halloween on the grounds that it celebrated a pagan holiday, which was inappropriate for church goers.  Today, there has arisen a different reaction to Halloween: the Halloween alternative.  Many churches, mine included, are offering an alternative to the traditional celebration of Halloween.  They invite children to come to the church, dressed in their Halloween costumes, and offer candy, games, and fun in an environment where the atmosphere can be somewhat controlled.  Other churches offer fall festivals and other alternative celebrations.

However you choose to celebrate (or not celebrate) Halloween, have fun and please be careful.  I read an article this week that said tonight, Halloween night, is the night where more children are hit by cars than any other night of the year.  I hope that when you answer the doorbell and a munchkin is standing there, it will take you back to your childhood and kindle fond memories when life was a little simpler.

Happy Halloween!

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