Halloween, let’s give it back!

By

Gerry Niskern

Halloween used to be just for kids.  I’m talking about the age-old holiday when the  kids dressed up like witches or monsters and visited the neighbor’s houses shouting, “Trick or Treat”.

Planning began weeks in advance, giving everyone time to think up the best character. That way they could always change their mind several times, driving their mother crazy, especially the ones who were sewing the costumes.

Make no mistake about it. This is one holiday the kids own. On October 31, when it starts to get dark and they have eaten the required bite of dinner, it’s trick-or-treat time. Beautiful Princesses and heroic Batmen hit the door running, with mom or dad trotting to keep up with the charge down the street.

Actually, I’m a little more concerned each year. According to the costume rental businesses, the demand for adult disguises is through the roof. Restaurants and caterers brag that their orders for adult Halloween parties are increasing rapidly. That’s all fine and dandy, but remember this special night belongs to the munchkins.

Halloween night, dating back to when it officially started around A. D. 830 when Pope Gregory IV proclaimed November 1 All Saints’ Day, also known as Allhallows, has by tradition been a kids night for fun.

The school may have an official parade through the other grades to show off costumes, but that does not a Halloween make! Yes, it has gotten a lot more dangerous in recent years. Sure we all have to be more diligent about where we take the munchkins in their quest for goodies. Also, older brothers and sisters have to be given strict guidelines for their adventures.

Don’t pass up the wonderful chance that helps the little ones develop their creativity and imagination too. Those childhood years pass too quickly, eight or ten at the most. When they put on those costumes and are transformed into Spiderman or Barbie, make no mistake about it, they really become Spiderman and Barbie and deserve an evening of  “let’s pretend.”

So how about it, before the adults take over the holiday, let’s give Halloween back to the kids?