On the spookiest night of the year, October 31st, people are seen walking around carrying bags full of candies or holding the hand of their over enthusiastic younger siblings. It is important to note that a majority of people enjoy walking around asking for treats. But is it too childish to go trick-or-treating? Is it something that high schoolers should be ashamed of?
Based on a student survey, the majority of high schoolers enjoy Halloween, with a good 61% of people saying they would go out in search of candy on the last night of October. It can be said that trick-or-treating is only for kids younger than the ages of 12, but who would skip out on free candy? In truth, there is no specific rule stating the age limit one should stop at. Sure, it is totally possible for someone to lose interest in such activities, but their opinions should not influence others, just like a Halloween enthusiast pushing spooky ideals on a Christmas lover should not force their own overall opinion on the holiday.
For instance many people argue that rick-or-treating should be subject only to kids; legally however, everyone under the age of 18 is still considered a kid. There is not much of a difference between a middle schooler going out than a high school student, they both have the same goal to have fun and spend the night freely whether that be with friends or not. As well as collecting candy. Things can get pretty pricey at a local store, so it can be imaginable that a lot of people would like to save a few bucks by going house to house saying “please” and “thank you” for their much deserved sweet treat. It does seem like a small sacrifice for getting the end result of a full bag of sweets.
Halloween is a time of fright, fear, and candy that anyone can partake in. Reasons some would not be participating could be growing out of the “silly” tradition or fear of being mocked for doing such a thing. If the latter is true, it seems worth the risk. It is doubtful that anyone would even care if their classmate went trick-to-treating, the sole purpose of any teenager going out for candy is to create memories that will follow them into their adult years. It is a release of daily duties and homework while also allowing one to stay out late at night, which seems like a pretty good offer to take up.
Overall trick-or-treating is about holiday fun. If a high schooler wants to go trick-or-treating then so be it, no one can stop them anyway why would they? This is an activity that can include all ages, whether it has the same whimsical feeling of youth or the jittery excitement of walking your neighborhood with friends for the first time. It is something that can bring everyone together with a little bit of candy and frightening mystery. Just like Halloween itself is open to everyone, trick-or-treating should be as well.
