Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always deemed myself “too old” to go trick-or-treating.
It wasn’t something I thought about often, but each year, the reality grew more apparent. Now, being a high school sophomore, I feel more and more out of my element.
But let’s go back for a second. As a child, the idea of Halloween never evoked fear in me, contrary to many others. For instance, when Halloween comes to mind, memories of hanging out with friends and knocking on door after door flood back.
These aren’t feelings of fear or fright; they’re reminders of good times.
Halloween never needed to be scary for people to participate in the holiday, so I don’t see why the absence of terror in Halloween is a reason not to go trick-or-treating. But many people, young or old, feel a need to do what’s considered “cool.”
For some, dressing up in costumes and eating candy feels too childish and might invite ridicule for being immature. Especially nowadays, teens feel an increasing need to be different or act older than they are.
Halloween is a victim of this drive to be an adult instead of enjoying our fleeting youth. With the start of October, Halloween has become a looming concern about whether or not trick-or-treating is something you’re “too old” for, but Halloween is more than just receiving candy.
You can do other things, like giving out candy or hosting or going to parties. No matter what, you have to participate in any way possible, or the idea of Halloween might become a fleeting memory. Celebrate in any way you choose, but embrace that Halloween spirit.