We did not have a single trick-or-treater last night. Not one. I think we can reasonably declare the practice officially over, at least in Chicago, at least in our neighborhood.
“Trick-or-treating”, i.e. wearing costumes and going door-to-door receiving candy, is a custom roughly 100 years old. Some attribute it to British or Scottish customs. Perhaps. It might be interesting to know the actual history of the custom.
In the 1930s there was an organized movement to promote it as an alternative to property damage and mischief. After a decline in the 1940s, it revived and I would say had its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s. Amusingly, when my late father-in-law would take my wife trick-or-treating he’d bring a martini glass with him, holding it out and saying “Trick or Treat!” with the kids. In a charming way he was a big kid himself.
But, as I say, the custom has gone out of fashion, at least here. Next year I won’t turn on my lights and I won’t buy candy to hand out.
Was big here. I passed out a lot of candy on Friday night as my township does Fridays. Kids were all dressed up. Last night went out with grandkids and a group of about 10 other kids. Most of adults dressed up also. Party after. Kids graciously gave me all of the candy they dont like.
Steve