Why I am anti-TRUNK or treat

*Warning- long post. I refuse to get into a debate. If you think differently, it's fine- you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine, just don't try to change my mind.*

I will not support candy-grubbing laziness by participating in a trunk-or-treat. Here's why...

I remember growing up, my parents getting dressed up too, and going door to door to EARN my candy. My feet were killing me by the end of the night, but there was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when I arrived home at the end of the night, kicked off my shoes, and dumped my plastic pumpkin pail out on the living room floor.

I learned a few things from Halloween as I grew up:



1. Things aren't always what they seem- we went out after dark, and while there were ghouls, witches, and monsters everywhere, it taught me that what you think is real and what actually is, are two different things. I learned the dark is nothing to fear. Sometimes the best things happen in the dark of night. (Great ideas, sleep, a first kiss)

2. I learned the value of hard work. My neighbors helped me learn that you can't visit the same house twice. The more ground you cover, the more you earn. This holds true in adulthood too. The more connections you have, and the harder you strive to make new connections, the greater the return.

3. We learned that safety is important- we were not taught to be paranoid, but were taught what to watch out for. As we got older and our parents let us go out alone, we always used the buddy system. We carried flashlights so we didn't trip, and we attached reflectors to our clothing so cars could see us. We looked both ways before crossing the street, and we always made it home safely.

4. We learned what real dangers are, and aren't- we never found a razor blade in our candy, nor was anyone handing out free drugs. (Do you really think someone that had drugs would willingly give them away for free? If so, you're a special kind of stupid!). I do remember one year there was a recall on Smarties candies, because of an accident at their plant, that caused glass shards to make it into some candies. This was covered in national news and the recall was issued by the candy maker themselves. Our neighbors never tampered with the candy.

5. Play by the rules- many of my neighbors had a "no costume, no candy" policy. If you can't afford a $75+ costume, you can make one. There's millions of options out there. But whatever you do, If you are going out, you must play by the rules and wear a costume.



Trick or treating teaches these lessons. Real life in adulthood is like Halloween- we all wear masks, hard work is the most rewarding way to get ahead, don't fall prey to mass hysteria, be safe when it is prudent, and play by the rules.

Trunk or treats teach none of these lessons. It teaches kids to be lazy, and collect as much candy in as little time as possible with as little work as possible. I have been to some that give candy to kids who aren't in costume! It is akin to living off the government for long periods of time, just to collect the check, or food stamps. Don't get me wrong-those are needed programs, but not meant to be a way of life, just as trunk or treating is not meant to be the way of Halloween. This is why I refuse to participate in any trunk or treat events. It is also why those courageous enough to adhere to the traditions of the holiday will be handsomely rewarded when the come to my house.

As my daughter grows, I will gladly dress up and walk with her until she is old enough to go with her friends. I will not forget the lessons I learned, and will be happy to continue the true traditions of Halloween, that is, if anybody even keeps their porch lights on anymore...