We are officially in everyone’s favorite three-month stretch of holidays, where stores put out Christmas decorations two months early and everyone bides their time for the breaks from school.
Of course, the first of those holidays is Halloween, a favorite among the students at Burroughs. Many love to dress up on Costume Day each year, and then go and enjoy various activities around town in the evening.
But it begs the question: At what point are you too old for some things around Halloween?
We’ll start with what may be the most controversial take on Halloween: you shouldn’t trick-or-treat past some point in middle school.
High-school students: I get it. Some of you are still younger, 14 or 15, but a good chunk of the student population is upperclassmen, especially seniors. All of us aren’t too far off from being independent, going to college, a trade school, the military, or whatever else awaits us. As comforting as the yearly trick-or-treating might be, we are too old for it.
If you want candy anyway, why not buy your own? Candy is cheap around Halloween, and even more inexpensive immediately after. You get all the benefits of trick-or-treating, but you get full choice on what you have. And, it’s undoubtedly yours, for all those with parents who tax candy.
Despite most of us just being too old for trick-or-treating, though, there is plenty to do on Halloween that, frankly, you can never be too old for.
If you prefer staying in, get some candy and watch some Halloween movies. Horror films, family films, or whatever else, make Halloween a cozy night. Besides, it’s more of an excuse to forget that homework assignment.
If you really still want something to do with trick-or-treating, pass out candy from your house. Speaking from experience, it is a great thing to do. In a way, it’s like passing on the torch to the younger generation. And, you can just take some candy from the bowl for yourself. A win-win, really.
You can always participate on Costume Day, too. Wear a costume to school, show some school spirit, and win your class some spirit points.
Those of us in high school should start seeing Halloween as a broader holiday; a week or two to watch some scary movies, eat some candy, and help make the holiday better. That’s probably the best way to celebrate, and you’ll have Thanksgiving and winter break coming up afterward, anyway.
Whatever you choose to do this Halloween, be safe and make smart choices.
