Halloween marks the beginning of America’s holiday season, and the weeks and months to come give all sorts of opportunities to improve social thoughtfulness. What better time than Halloween to reignite consideration for others? After all, good manners are most welcome from those on both sides of the doorsteps in our neighborhoods on Halloween.
Start out your Halloween festivities with a few tips that encourage community, hospitality and a fun night of sugary, spooky good times!
Get Creative with Costumes
Reach into your closets and get creative with building a costume, especially if you want to save money. Consider mixing and matching pieces to come up with a close second to a store-bought costume. This age-old cost saving tradition applies to both adults and youth.
An old military uniform is always dashing! A flowing skirt, peasant blouse and costume jewelry make a time-tested gypsy assemble easy. Sports gear, old prom dresses and cheerleading outfits can help others find awesome what you sported during your school years! Have faith that if creativity is backed with enthusiasm, the younger kids will appreciate parents’ “homemade” creations.
Halloween costumes always spark great conversation between kids and adults. During these talks, reaffirm that while some costumes are eye-catching and star-studded, they should always be age appropriate.
Sweet Treats
One bad apple made the pleasure of giving away homemade popcorn balls with gum drops a thing of the past. Therefore, for the consideration of everyone, remember to stock up before October 31 on prepackaged candies sure to delight trick-or-treaters. Kids love candy bars, chewy goodies and the least healthy treats you can give. However, if giving candy isn’t to your liking, what about a few coins or pre-packed trail mix. It’s the art of giving that matters, isn’t it?
A steadfast rule still holds true that treats should only be given to kids in costume. Likewise, If you sense the kids standing at your doorstep are too old to be trick-or-treating, forget reprimanding them and hope there is a good reason for their being at your doorstep. They may be college students having fun and looking for their next meal!
Manners for Kids
Manners start at home and are, hopefully, reinforced by peers in a community. Spend a few minutes discussing good manners with the kids you know by reminding them to practice the following:
- Smile and say “trick or treat” when the front door opens.
- Say “thank you” for whatever treat is offered and mean it.
- Stay on walk ways. Avoid stepping on flowerbeds and lawns.
Host Responsibilities
When answering the door, be your fun self and greet the kids with an bowl of goodies and a loud, proud “Happy Halloween!” In other words, show great gusto to the kids who come to visit. People should never underestimate the power of hospitality and how encouragement from adults nourishes a child for years to come.
Good spirits win on Halloween as well as every other day of the year. Happy Trick-or-Treating! And parents, if you are throwing your own Halloween party, have an excellent time! Etiquette note to remember: eating your kid’s candy is a big “no-no” without asking permission first.
Tiffany Nielsen, President of Premier Etiquette and co author of the book Incredible Business, shows professionals, collegians and youth how to use the power of civility and etiquette to be their very best selves in business, during a job interview, in public and in life . Tiffany is the creator of the Etiquette Ambassador Youth Program featuring leadership and civility programs for our future leaders.
She can be reached at (559) 280-9859 or via email at tiffany@tiffanynielsen.com
Copyright 2010 Tiffany Nielsen. All Rights Reserved. To reprint, please contact Tiffany Nielsen at tiffany@tiffanynielsen.com for permission.
