Is trick-or-treating dying? People have been asking themselves this question while looking at the current landscape of the holiday.
If parents today were asked about what they used to do for Halloween, they’ll tell all kinds of stories about when they were kids going to parties or just being outside with their friends.
Looking at this year, as people start to prepare for Halloween, it can be disheartening to some to see the lackluster holiday spirit amongst kids today.
Ms. Miranda Alapizco, who works in the student store, talked about what Halloween was like for her when she was younger and why she thinks it is different now.
“I would say when I was a teenager, it was a lot safer and a lot more fun. It was a different time,” Alapizco said.
According to an article by the Sarnia Journal, one of the reasons why Halloween has changed may be a lack of social connection to neighbors. This could be due to the lack of effort made by neighbors in introducing themselves to each other.
Nowadays, many people living in large urban spaces and small towns alike have a hard time getting their face out of their phone to have a real conversation.
As a result of this, people ask themselves the question: “Why would I let my child go to someone’s house that I don’t even know that well?”
Fortunately, parents who think this way prefer to participate in safer alternatives to combat dangers to their children.
One example is Trunk-or-Treat, which provides a safe environment where adults can monitor their children as they get candy. This alternative way of doing Halloween can prevent younger children from wandering off somewhere and protect them from traffic.
Other activities like pumpkin patches, costume parades, or fairs can be a great way to monitor kids while having fun.
Students expressed their opinions on these alternatives while also offering new suggestions.
“Honestly, I feel trick-or-treating is dead, but if I had to replace it with something else, I think haunted houses. I also think there should be more tricks than treats this year,” senior Alijah Gregory said.
Senior Ethan Nelson said he also believes trick-or-treating is dying.
“I honestly believe that with the current fear-mongering surrounding trick-or-treating, that the danger is being blown out of proportion. Kids should be able to be kids and experience freedom,” Nelson said.
Nelson also stressed the importance of this Halloween, urging for its comeback.
“I think it’s a great loss for the community, ever growing paranoia only grows when you shelter yourself from everything. Trick-or-treating is an essential part of childhood and an important step for community building,” Nelson said.
Overall, how people celebrate Halloween is completely up to them as long as they have fun doing so.
