Halloween Etiquette: 10 Tips You Need to Know
Halloween is near again! Today I’m sharing 10 Halloween Etiquette Tips You Need to Know. These simple reminders encourage a safe, fun and inclusive holiday for everyone to enjoy.
Remember to share these tips with your little ghosts and goblins to help create a fun and respectful Halloween celebration in your neighborhood.
Let’s get to it!
Halloween Etiquette: 10 Tips You Need to Know
Be Creative with Costumes: Costumes should be comfortable, safe and age-appropriate. Please remember that cultures are not costumes. Halloween is a great time to have an open conversation with children about the message we might send with our choices. Intentional or not, costumes that could be seen as mocking are hurtful - not haunting.
Check Community Guidelines: Local communities typically have set guidelines for Trick-or-Treating. Check with your neighborhood association or local government for up-to-date information. Share this information with Trick-or-Treaters and remind them to be respectful of their friends and neighbors by Trick-or-Treating within the designated time.
Pass Out Treats for Everyone: I’m a big fan of the #TealPumpkinProject and recommend learning more about it! Keep allergy-free treats available in separate container and let kids choose what they would like. Small toys like spider rings, bubbles, glow bracelets and bouncy balls let everyone join in on the fun. Here’s an example of what we’ll be handing out alongside traditional chocolate treats.
Keep the Light On: A glowing porch light is the universal sign that a house is participating in Trick-or-Treating. Turn the porch light on when the Trick-or-Treating time begins, and turn it off when the time ends or the candy runs out. Remind children to only approach homes with a light on and only knock once, if needed at all.
The Golden Rule: Take only one treat per house. At times, a bowl of candy might be set out for children to help themselves. Remind children to leave some for their friends and only take one treat, so that everyone can have a fun time Trick-or-Treating.
Walk… Don’t Run: Safety is key to a fun night! Walk on designated pathways and avoid running across lawns. Stay safe by sticking with the group, wearing reflective gear and staying in the immediate neighborhood.
Mind Your Manners: Ghosts and goblins will do well to remember to say “Please” & “Thank you” while collecting their treats. A friendly “Happy Halloween” is also appropriate to share with friends and neighbors.
Assume the Positive: Children grow and develop at different rates, so please do not judge kids who look “too big" or “too old” to be Trick-or-Treating. Older siblings can still participate while setting an example of polite behavior and helping younger ones to stay safe and navigate the neighborhood. No matter the size, if they are being polite and responsible, let them have some fun.
Be Curious Not Critical: Instead of comments like “What are you supposed to be?” or “That’s not a boy/girl/x costume!” which can come across as condescending, try a friendly open-ended question instead. “I can tell you put a lot of thought and creativity into your costume! Would you tell me more about it?” lets a child’s creativity soar and they are sure to be beaming while sharing their creation.
Practice Patience: Between school parades and community parties there is a lot of excitement (and sugar!) leading up to the big event! Manage your own expectations about what a “successful” holiday looks like and be prepared to share extra grace and patience, especially with young children. Halloween is a wonderful time to create memories, share community, and most importantly - to practice kindness.
If you found these modern etiquette tips helpful, please share them with your friends and family to encourage a fun and inclusive celebration for everyone!
Leave a comment and share your favorite Halloween costume or candy! I always love to hear your thoughts!
