Updated: Oct. 18, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 25, 2016
As Halloween approaches, teenagers often get a bad reputation — towering figures in costumes that barely conceal their faces, extending hands for free candy. But let’s not forget, they were once little kids, just like everyone else.
I can recall every costume my son has donned over the years. He started as a playful dinosaur, then transformed into a superhero, followed by a pirate, and later a wizard. His imaginative outfits included everything from a dragon to a space explorer. Last year, he even dressed up as a classic horror character — a vampire, with his father joining as a creepy vampire hunter.
Last Halloween marked a significant change for our family: my son ventured out to trick-or-treat with his friends, all on their own. I stood by the curb, flashlight in hand, reminiscing as I watched them approach each house, exchanging greetings and scurrying back with treats. Now, it’s just the two of us waiting for others to arrive at our doorstep.
The younger kids seem to dominate Halloween night with their undeniable cuteness. When my son was younger, we aimed to visit one more house than we did the previous year. We eventually managed to cover several blocks, but there was always that one house — the one with eerie decorations and family members who jumped out to scare the little ones. I knew the homeowners well enough to be their designated candy collector, rewarded with full-sized bars for my bravery.
Now, without our boy, it was up to us to hand out the candy. Sure, the little ones were out in full force, but it was the teens who truly caught my attention. I had low expectations, yet they kept arriving in droves, pillowcases in hand. One boy dressed as Pee-wee Herman was particularly memorable, and he certainly earned an extra handful of candy for his fantastic choice.
When I spotted a teen with just a mask and an outstretched hand, I couldn’t recall their face, but they received candy just the same — after all, there are worse things teens could be doing than trick-or-treating.
While the little ones fumble up the steps, holding hands and being gently reminded by their parents to say “thank you,” the older kids dash down the street. They leap over bushes, swarm doorways, and strategize their candy collection efforts like they’re preparing for a heist. Teens typically are the last group to knock on doors, prolonging the joy of the holiday until the porch lights dim and the jack-o’-lanterns flicker out. After they leave, my partner and I often glance at each other, saying, “That went by so quickly!”
Too quickly.
As we settle in for the night, the first Christmas commercial inevitably plays, a reminder that the holidays are around the corner. I distinctly remember this happening last year—seriously, can we get a moment of peace before the holiday frenzy begins?
Halloween is essentially your last opportunity to enjoy the season before the whirlwind of Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations takes over. So, as long as the teens keep appearing at your door and you still have candy, keep giving it out.
Once your candy is depleted and you’re left with granola bars to pass out in shame, it’s time to switch gears. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, shopping lists are forming, and suddenly you’re overwhelmed with the “my-family-is-the-worst” anxiety while also worrying about the election and the state of the world. Do you even plan for the holidays now?
The stakes are exceptionally high this year — like, dystopian high — so it’s crucial to cherish every teen who comes to your door, even if they seem to rush past all the adorable superheroes in pursuit of that coveted bag of candy.
And remember, every teen knocking on your door was once a little kid too.
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Summary:
This article highlights the often-overlooked perspective of teenagers during Halloween, emphasizing that they were once small children who enjoyed the holiday too. It reflects on personal experiences of trick-or-treating and the changing dynamics of Halloween as children grow up. The piece encourages appreciation for teens who continue the tradition of trick-or-treating, reminding readers of their own childhood memories.