Ah, Halloween—the time when towering teens dressed as everything from vampires to superheroes come knocking on our doors, hands outstretched for free candy. But let’s not forget, they once were little kids too.
I can vividly recall every costume my son has donned over the years. From his first outfit as a cuddly teddy bear to his transformation into a heroic Spider-Man, and then there was the phase where he was obsessed with dinosaurs, complete with a roaring T-Rex suit. He’s even tried his hand at being a pirate and a ghost, though the latter ended up looking more like a bed sheet than a spooky specter.
Last year marked a significant milestone for our family: my son ventured out to trick-or-treat with his friends—without us. I found myself standing at the curb, flashlight in hand, as I watched him trot up to a door, exchanging pleasantries and returning with a bounty of sweets. Now, we’re the ones waiting for the little ones to come to our door.
The younger kids have Halloween completely nailed down—how can you resist that level of cuteness? They own the night, or at least as much of it as their tiny legs can handle. When my son was younger, we’d always aim to visit one more house than the previous year. Eventually, we managed to cover a few blocks, though there was always that one house—the terrifying one with spooky decorations and homeowners who loved to scare the living daylights out of unsuspecting kids. I knew them well, so I would be brave and grab the candy for my son, who would emerge victorious with king-sized chocolate bars as his reward.
Yet, even last year, he struggled to summon the courage to face that creepy house alone. Deep down, he’s still a kid at heart.
If you saw my 14-year-old son now, you’d barely recognize the little boy who once darted around in a dinosaur suit. Standing tall at 6 feet, he’s hidden beneath a mask that doesn’t quite fit, embodying that teenage angst we all know too well.
With him out with friends, it was our turn to hand out candy. Sure, the little ones were adorable, but it was the teens who truly caught my attention. I expected fewer of them, but they came in droves, pillowcases at the ready! One boy dressed as a nostalgic character from my childhood stood out—he was a total showstopper. I couldn’t help but reward his effort with extra candy for having such great taste.
I might not remember every teen who came by with just a mask and their hands out, but they all got their share of candy. After all, there are worse things for teens to do than collect Halloween treats.
While the younger kiddos fumble up steps and are reminded by parents to say “thank you,” the older kids storm the streets, leaping over bushes and forming plans like they’re on a candy-hunting mission. They’re calculating their candy-to-effort ratio like seasoned strategists.
Teens are usually the last to knock on your door on Halloween night, keeping the spirit of the holiday alive until the porch lights dim and the jack-o’-lanterns flicker out. As they leave, my partner and I often glance at each other and say, “Wow, that went quickly.”
Too quickly, indeed.
Just as we settle in for the night, the first Christmas commercial pops up, and I distinctly remember this happening last year. Seriously, can we get a minute, Glade PlugIns?
This means that teens on Halloween are your final chance to indulge before the holiday whirlwind begins. As long as they keep showing up and you still have candy, keep handing it out.
Once your candy stash is depleted and the granola bars are all that’s left (cue the embarrassment), you’re officially in holiday mode. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and the chaos of shopping lists will start to loom large. Amidst the holiday stress, you might find yourself panicking about family gatherings or even more significant matters—like the state of the world.
Seriously, the stakes are high this year—like dystopian high—so it’s time to embrace every teen who shows up at your door, even if you’ve silently grumbled about how they’re not as cute or how they waltz past all the adorable superheroes in search of that elusive treasure trove of candy.
And if that’s not enough to warm your heart towards every teen who rings your bell, just remember—they were once little too.
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Summary
Halloween is a time for all ages, and while teens may seem intimidating with their towering heights and casual costumes, it’s important to remember that they were once the adorable little trick-or-treaters of the past. As they ring your doorbell, let’s embrace their nostalgia and celebrate the spirit of Halloween together.