Halloween, a beloved holiday celebrated on October 31st, is known for its spooky decorations, creative costumes, and trick or treating. Children and teens look forward to this time old tradition of going door-to-door, collecting candy, and embracing the spirit of the season. However, as children grow older, a common question arises: What age is it okay to stop trick-or-treating?
In the early years of childhood, children eagerly wait until the night they can put on their costumes and join in the fun. Usually, the ages 4-12 years old are considered the best time to trick or treat. But as children enter their teenage years, the question of whether to go out or not becomes more complex. Savannah Thueson, a freshman at Rocky said, “18, because you’re still a kid until you turn 18, plus I want to go trick-or-treating and get the free candy.” Most younger teens feel this way, because the magic and fun of Halloween is still a cultural part of the age group.
The acceptable age for trick-or-treating may just depend on community norms. In some places, it is customary for teens to continue trick-or-treating until their 16 or even 18 years old. Another student at Rocky, who wishes to be anonymous, replied to the question, “Well honestly, it depends. Because, like my cousin, she is a senior, but she’s really short and could still pass as a middle schooler. And so, she still trick-or-treats. But for me and my friends, we don’t really care if there’s an age limit. Because its free candy and we aren’t about to pass that up. So, I guess it depends because if you really look like a senior, then it’s a little weird, but if you’re a little younger than its okay.” Most people have the same response to this, because who wants to pass up the chance to dress up and have fun with their friends?
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer. The age in which children or teens decide to stop trick-or-treating varies from person to person. What’s most important is embracing the spirit of Halloween, because whether you’re 8 or 18, Halloween brings all of us back to the magic and excitement of being creative and spending time with family and friends.
