3) Trick-or-Treat!
Zoos, nursing homes, malls and many other locations have trick-or-treat times to show your costumes! Communities and bases alike have trick-or-treat times listed in advance. Whatever activity is chosen, make a plan.
I have trick-or-treated with a mask on. It is difficult as an adult. So when choosing costumes keep this in mind according to the location chosen and age of kids. Outside in the dark is very difficult with a mask on. But in a mall or nursing home a mask might be easier to manage. I prefer make-up or face painting over masks particularly for little ones.
In our community, trick-or-treaters are asked to do a trick or tell a joke so it takes time at each house. It is a tradition I have come to love. But I can say we had many rushed Halloweens trying to figure out what they were going to say as they were heading out the door. If needed, purchase a joke book and keep it with the costumes to avoid last minute tears over not having a joke to tell.
Trick-or-treating is a great time to teach manners. We always started our evening with a reminder to use our manners. But I never asked my kids the dreaded question, “What do you say?” Instead, I just said please or thank you. They catch on quickly. Knock, yell trick-or-treat, and end with thank you. If they didn’t start to participate, then I might reprimand but only between houses and not in front of a strangers door.
