Q&A for How to Trick or Treat

You could be a character from a TV show that wears regular clothes, or you could do the old cut-holes-in-a-sheet and go as a ghost.

It's not uncommon to go trick-or-treating when you're 12, and most kids take advantage of this tradition as long as possible. If you're tall for your age, go with younger kids in a group so you don't look out of place

Goodness, no! Just make sure that your costume isn't obscene or sexual, and you're ready to go!

Put decorations outside, make it colorful and bright. If you live in the suburbs, there should be at least some people coming to your house.

You could do a fancy trick like a cartwheel or say a tongue twister or whatever special thing you can do! Be safe and have fun!

Of course! Just be careful to check that nothing is already opened -- you'll want to throw any that are away, since they may not be safe to eat.

Ask your parents to come with you -- or your siblings, if you have any.

You can still enjoy trick-or-treating with your parents. Just ensure they are aware of your activities and know your location.

Yes, indeed! That's a wonderful reversal of the "gimme-gimme" attitude most trick-or-treaters come to the door with!

Yes! You can go trick-or-treating by yourself. You can even try to meet some new friends while you're out.

Though some people say you're never too old, it's probably time to end the tradition sometime in your mid to late teens. If you're a teenager and you want to go trick-or-treating, it's generally okay as long as you wear a costume and are polite and appropriate.

Most probably will, some won't, but it's really better to make some sort of an effort.

You may need to accept their decision for now. However, you could try asking if they would be willing to walk a discreet distance behind you, allowing you to appear independent while they still ensure your safety.

Because trick-or-treating takes place in the evening, school is not really taken into consideration, and you'd probably not have good results. However, some communities will establish a weekend trick-or-treat night.

You can assure them you will stay within a defined local area, remain with a group of friends, and stick together.

As long as you wear a costume and that costume is appropriate, it's fine (though be prepared for some people to tell you you're too old). As long as you're having fun and not hurting anyone, don't worry about what anyone tells you.

It's often best to understand their perspective. Many parents accompany their children trick-or-treating, as Halloween can present various safety concerns.

You generally shouldn't. Instead, remember that there are many other houses with treats to enjoy.

You can try to reassure your parents by promising to stay on your street or with a large group. Alternatively, you could mention that your friend's parents will be supervising, potentially alleviating their perceived need to go.

You can tell your parents that you really want to experience trick-or-treating. To address their concerns, you might offer to stay on your street, go with friends, or even suggest they come along with you.

If it is at home, go to your room or a place that your parents would not be able to find you. When you're trick or treating and you'rer with your family and you're not allowed to eat while you're trick or treating walk ahead and eat it then or go behind them and if ask what you're doing say you think you missed a house.

Yes! You definitely shouldn't try to eat all of your candy in one day because you'll probably get sick if you do.

No, it is not unusual. You will find that people stop trick-or-treating at a wide range of ages, so ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference.

You can go alone, as long as your parents are okay with it. As long as you're wearing a costume, people shouldn't give you any trouble about being a little older than most of the other trick-or-treaters.

You could ask your parent to walk a short distance behind you so that others don't assume you're together. However, you might also find it's easier to simply embrace the situation, as most people likely won't notice or care.

Invite your best friends to go with you, work extra hard on your costume, and take full advantage of your time! Get out there early and stay out as late as you can.

It depends on what your friend prefers! Ask them if you should bring something. If they say no, then they don't expect you to bring anything, so you don't have to feel obligated to do so. If you're still not sure, or if you want to bring something anyway, then you could bring maybe a snack for you guys and a bag of candy to hand out to the kids that come by their house.

You should safely dispose of any opened candy you receive. Returning to the same house for a replacement is generally considered impolite; it's better to continue trick-or-treating at other homes.

If your parents have friends in a neighborhood suitable for trick-or-treating, you could ask if you can join them. If that isn't an option, you can still celebrate by buying your favorite candy, watching a spooky movie, or enjoying another activity you love at home.

To manage your fear, consider focusing on houses with cute decorations and bypassing those with scary ones. Alternatively, you might try to bravely face some of your fears, perhaps by approaching a moderately scary decoration.