Halloween

[AKAtude]

I was watching "The View" this morning when they mentioned that the governor of Arkansas has cancelled Halloween. Either they were making a joke or they were serious, but they said the governor was concerned that parents would panic if their child received candy like Pixy Stix. As you may know, Pixy Stix is that powder candy.

However, they made a really good point. Parents have been extremely cautious with Halloween candy for years now. I remember when I was a little kid not being able to eat the candy until I got home so it could be inspected.

I feel sorry for the kids. Maybe the parents will do what the parents in my neighborhood eventually began doing, and contribute to a neighborhood party for the kids.

[kizzie22]

Well AKAtude this is true. There has been sooo many rumors floating aroung until Gov. Huckabee doesn't want to take any chances. The local malls are having an open house on Oct.30th .

[MS.REVLON]

Since times are not like they use to be! I have felt for the past few years that parties should be givin instead of trick or treating.

Being in Law Enforcement and seeing the regular sick stuff people do the added stress is not needed. Because of what recently happend the chances are greater for weirdos to come out. Plus this way the children can really have fun and play games and have costume contest. I guess we have to face reality that the good ol days are gone even in the "safe neighborhoods".

[Ideal08]

Well, I've never been T-or-T'ing, it was illegal where I grew up. I am learning that it wasn't illegal everywhere, now. CT4, was it illegal in North Randall?

I'm a little skeptical about taking my God-kids out.

Was it illegal where anyone else lived?

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by Ideal08
Well, I've never been T-or-T'ing, it was illegal where I grew up. I am learning that it wasn't illegal everywhere, now. CT4, was it illegal in North Randall?

Nope we went trick or treating. My best one happened in 1983, McDs gave us free cheeseburgers and waters, Taco Bell gave us Cinammon Crispies, and Wendys gave us fries.

[SFactor]

When I found out about Halloween and what it really meant (as a teenager), My friends and I began to have block parties or just went to the movies or the community center whenever that day comes around each year.

Now that I have children - we are either are particpating in activities with the neighborhood or church - I believe each of my kids has been door-to-door - about twice in their lifetime - because of the fear that has penetrated my mind about what other people will do for a laugh.

[ClassyLady]

I can say that I grew up in church, but my mother still let me and my sisters go trick or treating. She said that it was part of being a child. I really did not know exactly what the holiday represented until I was in high school. I had fun, but I wasn't allowed to touch a thing before my mother went through absolutely every piece of candy to make sure that it had not been tampered with.

Actually, I went trick or treating with my friends up until I was in high school. One of the main reasons why I stopped was that when you t or t in the ghetto, older kids will run up on you snatch your bag of candy quicker than lightning.

My church sponsors activities for the kids. It's not called a Halloween party and there are no scary costumes allowed. I think that is a great idea for the children whose parents don't agree with it.

[AKA2D '91]

ttt

[BLUTANG]

* disclaimer: i'm long-winded today, there's no one in my office to talk to*

T-or-T isn't illegal here (MD), but i remember back in the 90's there was concern about someone contaminating the kid's treats. I think this prompted a lot of alternative activities like getting treats in the mall or going to a youth center or something for haunted house and they give you candy at the end.

When i was small, we lived overseas (i'm an Army brat) so i went T- or T-ing *unaccompanied by adults* on base. Very fun! Then, after moving to Maryland, My church started offering "HOLY-ween" for the kids to come out and have a good time. Costumes were of Biblical or Black history figures. When i was 10 years old I thought it was the LAMEST thing in the world! I wanted to go T-or-T with my friends or at least stay home and watch the Charlie Brown "Great Pumpkin" episode. But, now that i'm grown and i think about things from an adult's perspective, these alternate events seem like a great idea.

So, i hope something can be done for the children in Arkansas, even if it's a costume parade or the excange candy treats (kinda like valentine's day) in school. Even though the history or meaning behind halloween isn't something I personally celebrate, i think all kids deserve a day to party and EAT CANDY.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by ClassyLady

My church sponsors activities for the kids. It's not called a Halloween party and there are no scary costumes allowed. I think that is a great idea for the children whose parents don't agree with it.

My church hosts an event similiar to yours. Its called Halleuah Night and scary or evil costumes (i.e. devils, witches, etc.) are not allowed. Kids come for games, candy, costume contest, etc. Yours truly will be working the bean bag toss area (that was my game growing up!)

Growing up, I couldn't eat one morsel of candy until I got home and my mom could check it. Holiday history aside, if I had a child I still wouldn't allow him/her to Trick or Treat simply because folks are crazy and deranged and who knows what some fools will put in the candy. Nowadays, seemingly "normal" people are committing acts of lunacy against children.

[exquizit]

The brat is going to the fifth grade "fall gathering" and like four families are getting together to throw this huge party where they wear costumes, stuff their faces, play games, watch movies. They promised each kid huge treat bag to take home.

[DELTABRAT]

The big scare a few years back was razors in apples.

Has anyone seen Bowling for Columbine. Basically, it's all propoganda, as usual. There have never been any deaths to T-or-T'ers.

I really don't think anyone would think of contaminating Pixy Stix unless they read someplace that it was an issue.

Not that there's no reason for concern. Hell, you can't even bring home baked goods to schools anymore for "fear" that they may be laced with some shyt. Like I can't sprinkle some "powduh" on some powdered donuts from Cosco. C'mon!!!!

[ClassyLady]

For those who do not let their children participate in Halloween for religious reasons . . . .

Do you let your children believe in Santa Claus as well?

[TonyB06]

Originally posted by ClassyLady
For those who do not let their children participate in Halloween for religious reasons . . . .

Do you let your children believe in Santa Claus as well?

I do for a coupla reasons

1. They have a long time comin' to be adults with all the responsiblities that brings. Let kids be kids as long as they can.

2. I make SURE my children know what Christmas is about. The gifts we give each other are symbolic of the ultimate gift that God gave us; his son Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate.

my girls know all this...then return to throwing gift-wrapping paper and running around the house like they ain't got no sense.

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by ClassyLady
For those who do not let their children participate in Halloween for religious reasons . . . .

Do you let your children believe in Santa Claus as well?

I don't have kids, but when I do I don't plan to tell them about about a big fat white man that comes down the chimmy to deliver presents because they were good all year. My kids will know who they come from, why their receiving them, and why we exchange them on Christmas.

My parents didn't get into the Santa Clause bit. Plus, we usually found our presents hidden somewhere. (Not that we were looking for them, of course )