Halloween Etiquette

Halloween: First celebrated by the Celts in Ireland in the fifth century B.C.  They believed that on October 31, everyone who had died during that year would assemble to select the person or animal whose body they would inhabit for the next twelve months, before passing into the afterlife. (source: Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, Charles Panati)

We adhere to guidelines of behavior when we attend parties, well, Halloween is one big party, with rules that are designed primarily for everyone's safety.

Timely Tips for Trick or Treaters

• If the porch light is off, do not approach.
• Say "trick or treat" when they open the door.
• Always say, "Thank you", even if you receive something you don't like!
• Please keep off the grass.
• Carefully cross the street.  Consider carrying a flash light or wear a flashing necklace.
• Do not block the sidewalk.
• Wait for your group to cross the street together. Always, look both ways before crossing.
• If you get lost, stay where you are and wait.  Do not go into anyone's home or car.  Remain on the sidewalk.
• Do not intentionally scare younger children (too much). Remember when it happened to you?
• After 9:00 PM, you will find that most people turn off their lights; especially on a school/work night.
• If it is a self-serve bowl, do not take more than two pieces.
• Do not enter anyone's home or yard unless your parents approve.
• Do not eat a treat from your bag until your parents review it. (It's okay if it's from someone you know.)
• If the house looks too scary, don't go.
• Don't make fun of someone who does not participate in the Halloween festivities.
• Don't make fun of someone's costume.
• Thank your parent, friend, or older brother for taking you "trick or treating".

Be safe, have fun, and let your good manners shine through!

Happy Halloween!

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Rosalinda Randall is an etiquette consultant and owner of Your Relationship Edge.  She has been spreading civility throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond for over fourteen years.