Jane Bidwell
Nov 3 · 1 min read

I have lived in a variety of neighborhoods. Each had a culture of Halloween protocol. Having given it a bit of thought and read the comments, I think there is no ‘obligation for anyone to turn on the lights or give unhealthy food to anyone. To be so critical of such a minor personal choice is overstepping a bit. When mine crew was in elementary school, the houses were spread out. We walked our kids..each house had a specialty. I candied apples, and did the Apple dunk. By seven we’d end up at the chosen house and eat very ugly, spooky food and play games. No one else ever showed up, but we kept a basket of skittles in case. Would not have considered asking them in for dinner.

Later, in an area of smaller lots, the kids were older. We held dances and haunted houses. We kept the porch lights on from five to seven for the little kids….there were large groups. From outside the neighborhood, but the time frame meant fewer.

I would censure my own for going door to door after they were Eleven or twelve. But it is not my place to lecture others on how they school their kids…they may have a very different take on what the day means to and for their kids. But it not theirs to lecture me on what it should mean to me and mine.