Taking the “Howl” Out of Halloween

What’s not to love about little kids dressed up in creative costumes who knock on your door with a huge, chocolate-y grin and an outstretched hand?

 

Parades of trick-or-treaters swarm the neighborhood, on the prowl for something sweet to pop into their mouths. The neighborhood kids who’ve knocked on your door for the last 10 years can provide a fun “blast from the past” to see how they’ve grown.

 

But it can also be somewhat of a spooky night for seniors, especially those who live alone. Lots of people roaming around the streets create a lot of shadows, there may be lots of kids who you’ve never seen before, and the scary masks and dark makeup can spook even the most seasoned reveler.

 

Here are some simple tips to help you feel safe on Halloween night:

 

• Keep your home lit, inside and out, even if you’re not handing out treats. A lit home signals that someone is home and can dissuade trouble-makers from causing any damage.
• Communicate with your neighbors what your plan is so they can help keep an eye out for your home, and vice versa.
• If you will be handing out sweets to trick-or-treaters, consider teaming up with a neighbor or two so that you’re not home alone.
• Hand out candy at the door (never allow trick-or-treaters to come inside), or even set up a chair outside in the light so you don’t need to keep getting up and answering the door every time the doorbell rings.

 

Most importantly, enjoy the night as much as you can. It will be over quickly, and you can spend the next day roasting the pumpkin seeds you saved from your festive jack-o’-lantern!