Halloween brings out the mixed feelings when it comes to teens. Those towering figures, barely disguised under a mask, reaching for candy often get a bad rap. But let’s not forget, they were once those adorable little kids, full of excitement and wonder.
I can vividly recall every costume my son has donned over the years. He started as a tiny dinosaur, then transformed into a pirate, followed by a superhero, and eventually took on the roles of a wizard and a charming prince. There were also moments he chose to be a ghost and a skeleton, and yes, he even went through a phase as a zombie — while I played the role of the undead sidekick.
Last year marked a significant change in our family tradition: my son ventured out to collect candy with friends. Without us. It was a bittersweet moment, standing on the curb, flashlight in hand, watching as he and his friends approached each door, exchanging cheerful greetings and returning with their haul. Now, it’s just the two of us waiting for the little ones to arrive at our doorstep.
The youngest trick-or-treaters have Halloween all figured out; their sheer cuteness is often overwhelming. They own the night, or at least as much as their little feet can manage. When my son was younger, we would strive to visit one more house than the previous year. We eventually made it more than three blocks, but we always steered clear of that one spooky house with the creepy gravestones and its jump-scare gimmicks. I knew the family well enough to be their designated candy collector. They rewarded brave kids with full-sized candy bars for making it through.
Yet, even last year, he still struggled to face that creepy house without us by his side. Deep down, he remains that little boy.
But you wouldn’t guess that when you see the 5-foot-8 teenager he’s turned into, donned in a costume that hardly fits.
With him off with friends, I found myself on candy duty. Sure, the little ones were charming, but it was the older kids who truly surprised me. I expected little from the teens, but they came in droves, pillowcases in hand. One boy dressed as Pee-wee Herman stole the show, and I happily rewarded his great taste with extra candy.
If I happened to catch a glimpse of a teen just wearing a mask and holding out a hand, I might not remember their face — but they still got candy. Honestly, there are much worse things teens could be doing than trick-or-treating.
The little ones fumble around the steps, coaxed by their parents to say “thank you,” while the older kids rush down the street, expertly navigating bushes and crowding doorways, plotting their candy-collecting strategies like they’re on a mission.
Teens are often the last visitors on Halloween night, ensuring the holiday we cherish continues until the porch lights dim and the jack-o’-lanterns flicker out. After they depart, my partner and I exchange glances, saying, “That went by too quickly.”
Too quickly indeed.
Just as we settle in for the evening, the first Christmas commercial appears on TV. I distinctly remember this happening last year. Seriously, can we get a moment to breathe?
Those teenagers on Halloween are the final wave before the holiday frenzy begins. As long as they keep showing up and I have candy to give, I’ll keep handing it out.
Soon enough, once the candy stash is depleted and only granola bars remain, we’ll find ourselves in holiday mode. Thanksgiving will be just around the corner, shopping lists will need to be made, and the usual family stresses will begin to surface. And let’s not forget about the looming challenges of the world — it can feel overwhelming.
The stakes are high this year, so let’s not forget to appreciate every teenager who knocks at our door, even if they seem disgruntled and indifferent as they pass up the younger superheroes in search of that coveted bag of treats.
And if that doesn’t warm your heart towards every teen who shows up, just remember — they were once little too.
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Summary:
This piece reflects on the bittersweet transition of children growing up, particularly during Halloween. It highlights the nostalgia of past costumes and the changing dynamics of trick-or-treating as kids become teens. Teens, often overlooked during Halloween, are reminded to be appreciated for their role in keeping traditions alive.