Halloween

We did not have many trick or treaters this Halloween, a total of only seven in three groups. Some years we do a little better, but we rarely have a bunch. Over the last few decades Halloween has become more fun for adults and less fun for kids. It is good that more adults  join in the fun – decorating  their houses, dressing in costumes, or having parties.  But I wish the kids better  than the way things have turned out for many of them.

The trouble began in the 1960s with stories in the media about criminals and psychopaths putting razor blades (and later needles) in apples or candy given to trick or treaters.  It  turned out that most of the cases were hoaxes, and most of the rest may have been  pranks by kids, but the damage was done. As late as a few years ago one of the medical outfits in our town was getting publicity by offering to X-ray the contents of kids’ trick or treat bags.  Then there were the urban legends about poisoned or dope-laced Halloween candy  that probably peaked in the 1980s but still circulate.

Such scare stories hyped by the media with no regard to either accuracy or statistical context have frightened parents. Some parents  have forbidden trick or treating altogether – perhaps turning to such gosh awful alternatives as trunk or treat gatherings in church or store parking lots. Others have fired up the helicopter  and followed kids old enough to trick or treat on their own on their rounds. It is too bad. Old people often think things in their childhood were better than what kids have now. In this case  they are right. Going out in the dark with one’s buddies looking for candy and adventure was pretty good fun.