Teen Times Editorial: Teens for Halloween treats

Written by Isabella D’Agosto, Teen Times Editorial Writer
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 14:00

Halloween night feels different from any other night; crisp enough to inspire a chill to gravitate down your spine yet warm enough to wear costumes without coats.

However, this chill isn’t only because of the weather — perhaps it’s due to the unsettling stories of the skeletons, monsters and ghosts that have been recounted to all of us since our tender years. Or maybe it’s just, well, the magic of Halloween.

Of course, this Halloween magic includes trick or treating; what a better way to end autumn than with a bag of Snickers and chocolate kisses? The question is: When is it that we become too old to dress up and ring door bells for free candy? When is it that we must refrain from reaching our hands into the proffered basket of chocolates and caramels and watch the younger, and yes — cuter, versions of ourselves replace us?

The thought of shaking off the costumes and the notion of Halloween to remain a common pedestrian for one more day in the year is rather — simply stated — depressing.

Darien High School’s student body all had varying opinions upon the subject. “I will trick or treat until I die,” Michael Coe, sophomore, said. Freshman Claire Treesh, who when asked when it was she planned to stop trick-or-treating replied, “Oh God. Like 50 — no, just kidding. I guess when you’re 16 or 17 you might start to feel a little awkward.”

“Junior or sophomore year is when you should start going to parties and stuff,” said Junior Paige Baldwin. “Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on Halloween.”

Many others — including me — concur. While our late teen years may seem awkward to trick or treat, this isn’t the signal to lay to rest the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween. Take part in some other way. Whether it’s handing out candy to the newbies, or going to a party, don’t exclude yourself from the striking chill of the last night of October and its all-American tradition.

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