Halloween Manners Part 2

1. Halloween Candy Apple. Photo: Leslie Atcheson on Flickr.

   WHAT IF SOMEONE’S NOT IN COSTUME OR DISCERNIBLE TYPE OF COSTUME?
   I made a faux-pas several Halloweens ago by assuming that a young man dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with his hair slicked back was coming “as is”. I was embarrassed to discover, however, that he WAS dressed in costume: He was dressed in 1950′s attire. Be wary of assumptions that someone is not necessarily in costume. A group of 18-year olds approaching you for candy may frustrate some, but I’ve discovered this type of visitor is the exception. I’d still offer a piece of candy (good manners), but perhaps not the “prime” selection (making your point).

2. IS IT OKAY TO BASE THE KIND OF CANDY ON WHETHER YOU KNOW THE TRICK-OR-TREATERS?
   I tend to think this is appropriate, as long as you practice discretion. Some parents create special “goodie bags” for neighborhood kids they know well or are friendly with their own children. Indulge those you know well with candy bundles, but not at the cost of excluding the unfamiliar ghost who happened to arrive at your door at the same time.
3. HOW MANY PIECES OF CANDY SHOULD YOU GIVE?
   Your call. Certainly at least one piece, although some opt to offer more. You can give several small pieces or one large “Score!” piece. Not everyone can afford to offer handfuls to everybody. And that’s okay. And some, who live for Halloween as their favorite all-time holiday, are more like to toss in extra. And that’s okay too.
4. WHAT TYPE OF TREATS SHOULD YOU AVOID GIVING?
   First things first: Safety is always an issue, so ensure candy is wrapped and secure (and the hands bestowing candy clean, washed, and disinfected).For the most honest response to this question, I approached my students. Their brows furrowed, they reflected back to their own glory days of trick-or-treating and brainstormed these answers: raisins, apples, real fruit of any kind, and pennies. Fair enough. But here’s my take: While not as popular as red licorice or M&M’s, these treats help us learn (1) to deal with possible disappointment and (2) to understand that all gifts deserve an expression of appreciation.

This is part of a 3 part mini-series on Halloween Manners! Don’t miss Halloween Manners Part 1 and Halloween Manners Part 3!

© 2009-2011, LisaMarie Luccioni, The Image Professor, All Rights Reserved