To many, including myself, Halloween is not just a holiday but a way of life. From the colors to the costumes to the cool autumn weather, the entire celebration gives off a special feeling that is often reminiscent of childhood fun. In such an exciting time of year, everyone should be able to take part regardless of their age.
With Halloween season upon us, the question of “should I stay in or go out?” is sure to cross the minds of many fun-seeking teenagers. While there are a handful of spooky events for older teens to enjoy, many Halloween activities such as costume parties and trick-or-treating are restricted to children. The belief that teenagers should be able to trick-or-treat like everyone else often sparks the argument that all teen participants are up to no good. According to CBS News, crime rates increase by 17% on Halloween night, which makes this a valid concern, but it doesn’t mean that all teenagers are guilty. Plenty of older youth have pure intentions and are simply trying to enjoy their last few years of childhood Halloween fun.
Holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving are celebrated even in adulthood, so why should Halloween have an age limit? The passage of time doesn’t stop adults from engaging in other common holiday traditions, so the same logic should be applied to Halloween. Although many adults are opposed to trick-or-treating themselves, there is nothing wrong with throwing on a costume and greeting kids at the door. Parents can also relish in the spirit of the season by going out with their kids and recalling their own memories of the magical night. Even if Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday, you still have the right to celebrate it just like the others.
However, when trick-or-treating at an older age, there are certain responsibilities that one must acknowledge. To avoid being seen as an obnoxious teenager looking for trouble, it is important to be mindful and respectful of your surroundings. Many young children will be celebrating late at night, so setting a good example and being careful of those around you will ensure that they have a good time as well. Trick-or-treating etiquette is often overlooked, but it could be a key factor in normalizing teenagers participating in the activity. Being respectful, responsible and safe will guarantee an enjoyable Halloween night without any complications because of your age.
When it comes to holidays, there should be a collective understanding that teenagers who are participating in the seemingly “childish” activities are just living their youth to the fullest. With that being said, there are expectations that must be met to make neighborhoods on Halloween a fun place for everyone. Remember to be considerate of people and their property, and most importantly, if the candy bowl says “just take one,” just take one!