Halloween: Then and Now

Decades ago when I was a child there was much anticipation and preparation as the night of Halloween approached.  Lots of time was spent fashioning outfits designed to deceive our friends and neighbors and selecting the perfect paper bag in which to collect our “loot”.

In the kitchen we popped corn or made cookies to put in small decorated bags as treats for the ghosts and goblins who would come to our door.  Some of our neighbors candied apples; some bought candy bars; and others put handfuls of penny candies in little gift bags.  Selecting the perfect offering was an important act.  We knew which homes usually offered the “choice” goodies.

Parents of small children walked their charges from house to house while older kids traveled unchaperoned in small groups.  Everyone knew each other in our small rural community and residents took joy in trying to decide who was behind each mask.  When out of guesses, the Halloweeners removed their disguise.  To hear, “I give up, who are you?” was the ultimate compliment.

As the hour grew late and more house lights darkened, trick or treaters headed home merrily snacking on their bounty.  Happy and exhausted the bags of treats were emptied onto the table or floor where we sifted through our goodies, still munching, and making trades with our siblings for favorites.

Today there continues to be much anticipation and preparation for Halloween.  Outdoor decorations frequently surpass those for all other holidays.  JoAnn Fabrics stores sell more fabric for the making of costumes than for any other purpose.  On-line sales of commercially made outfits is a brisk business.  Homemade creations seem to be in the minority.  And the paper sack of the past has been replaced with a lot of plastic – buckets, pumpkins, and bags.

The selection of treats to offer the spooky visitors has changed.  Home-made items would be viewed with suspicion.  All candy is expected to be in its original packaging with no holes or tears.  Treats with nuts are discouraged.  Parents are warned to inspect each item and remind their children not to eat anything until everything has been examined.

The guessing game has also changed.  When my children went “trick or treating” they only visited homes of people they knew.  However, ringing our bell were frequently children from surrounding areas.  Their parents dropped them off in town so they could canvas for treats from anyone.  We learned to first ask, “Do I know you?”  Often there was a negative shake of the head.  We would drop a treat in their hands and wonder at the loss of excitement Halloween used to bring.

Reminiscing about the “good old days….”