Thread: Angry with first timers that use peeled grapes on teens

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I am surprized to know that lots of people on places like ehow and DIY.com STILL recoment this!!!!! I have recently been surfing the internet for some ideas for my haunt this year, and I found this on about a third of the articles! This is something that I remember doing in first grade, and none of the kids were scared, just interested. The only kids that will be "brave" enough to enter the haunt will be too old to care, and will spread the word that your haunt is lame. Bowls and tubs of food just aren't scary. What do you guys think about this?

My mother-in-law asked me to do a 'little spook alley' for her school's fundraiser laste year (elementary school). Suggesting 'we could do the grapes and spaghetti things, you know?'

I just smiled and said I'ld come up with something.

She was nervous with my plans, but the first kids in to the "spooky lab" as the sign read, said:

"It's probably just some of those stupid grapes and things" entering the door....

It was all I could do not to break character laughing.

They were back with various groups of their freinds at least a dozen times.

I remember my folks doing that for a party when I was just a kid, maybe 8 or 9 years old. They did the whole thing: the story, the blindfold, then taking you into a different room, and finally putting your hands into gross things.

When I was young, it was great!! I had never experienced it before and neither had any of my friends. It maybe "old school" now, but I remember it fondly from my youth. And I applaud my parents for taking the time to put something like that together.

Now, memories aside, would I do that for my girls? Probably not.

My oldest will be thrteen this October and I know she's too old for something like that.

Now my six year old would probably get a real hoot out of the experience.

My two year old would probably just start eating the grapes and spagetti!

It's all in the presentation. We did it last year. Grapes for eyes, spaghetti for intestines, jello for brains. The older kids kinda snorted and thought they had seen it all, put their hands in the "fingers" bowl expecting carrots. We had an actor under the table grab their hand instead. Worked like a charm. They were so bored with the usual stuff that it was too easy to surprise them with a little twist like that.

Stacy

That's a good twist but I mean the regular old thing that makes me mad.

Honestly, I don't think it's anything to be mad about!

The way I see it, something is better than nothing. I don't like inflatable jack o lanterns as lawn decor, but if that's what they got then, yay! They did something for Halloween!

As long as people are making an attempt to keep the Halloween spirit alive, then I say good for them! If peeled grapes is the best you can do, go for it!
We were all first-timers once. I bet we've all made a few improvements along the way...

Originally Posted by Madame Leota

Honestly, I don't think it's anything to be mad about!

The way I see it, something is better than nothing. I don't like inflatable jack o lanterns as lawn decor, but if that's what they got then, yay! They did something for Halloween!

As long as people are making an attempt to keep the Halloween spirit alive, then I say good for them! If peeled grapes is the best you can do, go for it!
We were all first-timers once. I bet we've all made a few improvements along the way...

I must say I agree with that. As long as they're making an effort -- good for them!!

I personally detest the inflatables. I think they cheapen every holiday they attempt to represent. But, at least the people that indulge in those inflatable color-bags are trying to share the spirit.

Same goes for people hosting a party with the ol' peeled grapes and spagetti gag. At least they're trying. In my neighborhood, I am really way over the top when it comes to Halloween, but I encourage my neighbors to do whatever they can. Even if it's just a pumpkin or two on their front stoop.

Originally Posted by Madame Leota

Honestly, I don't think it's anything to be mad about!

The way I see it, something is better than nothing. I don't like inflatable jack o lanterns as lawn decor, but if that's what they got then, yay! They did something for Halloween!

As long as people are making an attempt to keep the Halloween spirit alive, then I say good for them! If peeled grapes is the best you can do, go for it!
We were all first-timers once. I bet we've all made a few improvements along the way...

Right on ML! But I must say I do not enjoy inflatables either.

Last year we had a kids party at my house, and I took old shoe boxes and filled them with various things, one which was dried ramon noodles. The kids each took a turn trying to figure out what was in the box, by whispering in my ear. If they got the correct answer they were able to get a goody bag. For those that did not get the right answer we gave a 2nd shot, then hints, until they got a goody bag.

You should see the look on their face when I told them that had to stick there hand in the box, it was no not me, then they watched the older kids doing it, and having fun, they wanted to do it to... We had a blast and built some good memories.

The age group of the kids party was 15 down to 6. Who says teenagers can't have fun.

Speaking personally, I don't have time to be peeling bunches of grapes on Halloween!
..and you certainly won't find any inflatables at Samedi Manor.
However, as previous posters have pointed out, at least these people are doing something positive for Halloween, rather than locking the door and pretending they aren't at home.
Many people have neither the time, money or inclination to do much more.

A few years ago, we had a variation on this for the very young ones who would not venture into the haunt. We had a big bowl full of packing peanuts with the treats hidden inside.
The little TOT's were blindfolded "just to make sure you don't cheat".. and told to take a lucky dip. At the last moment, the bowl was switched for another one containing semi-set jello and cold spaghetti..That got a few shrieks..