As Halloween approaches, we can’t help but notice the towering teenagers roaming the streets, clutching their candy bags like they’re hunting for treasure. It’s easy to forget that these 6-foot “monsters” were once adorable little kids, just like many of the pint-sized ghouls and goblins we see today.
I often reminisce about the various costumes my son, Jamie, donned over the years. He started as a tiny dinosaur, then graduated to a superhero, followed by a pirate and even a charming little wizard. Each year brought new creativity and excitement, and I cherished every moment spent picking out costumes and trick-or-treating together.
Last year marked a significant milestone for our family; Jamie ventured out to gather candy with his friends, completely without us. It felt surreal standing on the curb, flashlight in hand, watching him stride confidently up to houses, shouting his cheerful greetings before returning with an impressive haul. Now, my partner and I find ourselves at home, waiting for the younger trick-or-treaters to ring the bell.
The charm of Halloween is undeniably in the tiny tots, their cuteness almost overwhelming. When Jamie was little, we aimed to hit one more house than the previous year. Eventually, we managed to explore several blocks, but there was one house we always avoided—the eerie one with gravestones and jump scares. I knew the family well, so I became the designated candy collector for those brave enough to venture through.
Surprisingly, last year, even without us, Jamie still hesitated at the driveway of that creepy house. Deep down, he remains that little kid, even if he stands tall at 5 feet 8 inches now, hiding behind a wig that doesn’t quite fit.
With Jamie off with his friends, it was our turn to hand out candy. While the little ones were delightful, the teens truly caught me off guard. They arrived in droves, pillowcases ready for action. One remarkable boy, dressed as the iconic Pee-wee Herman, left quite the impression—I couldn’t resist giving him extra candy for his spot-on costume.
While I hardly noticed any teens who simply donned a mask and extended a hand, I still made sure they received treats. After all, there are far worse things for them to be doing than embracing the Halloween spirit.
As the younger children wobbled up steps, being reminded by parents to say “thank you,” the older kids raced through the neighborhood, conspiring like seasoned strategists to maximize their candy haul. They’re often the last to knock on our door, ensuring that the Halloween festivities linger just a little longer before the porch lights dim and the jack-o’-lanterns flicker out.
When they leave, my partner and I exchange glances and remark, “That went too fast.”
And it really does. Just as we settle in for the night, the first Christmas commercial flashes on the screen—a jarring reminder that the holiday season is fast approaching. I vividly recall this happening last year. Really, can we have just one evening without the looming pressure of the next holiday?
So, as long as those teens keep coming to our door and the candy supply remains plentiful, let’s keep the spirit alive. Once the treats run out, and we’re left with only granola bars, we transition straight into holiday mode. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and the frantic planning begins. Amidst the stress of family gatherings and world events, let’s remember to appreciate those teenagers who once were the adorable little trick-or-treaters we adored.
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In summary, let’s celebrate every teenager who comes to our door this Halloween, acknowledging that they were once the same wide-eyed children we remember.
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