November 1, 2007

Happy Halloween (it was Halloween, right?)

We were ready. We had the candy, the decor, the candles, the pumpkins, the appropriate "Kitty and Frankie" head-dressings on - pizza in the oven and salad, ready to be consumed.

But where were the kids?

What the heck happened to Halloween? Did anybody get a memo that they were canceling this year? Aren't we past razor blades in apples? For that matter, does anyone still give out apples?

I'm just saying - we live in a 4-year-old neighborhood of nice homes, nice people, and lots of kids. I know this, because every time I drive in to my street, I have to slow way down to give the kiddies plenty of time to clear the way from playing ball or riding bikes, etc. So either A) they all went to a church or school or mall function that was indoors and "safer", or B) they boycotted us without telling, or C) Trick or Treating is just not what it used to be.

When I was a kid, my Dad or Mom (or both) would dress us up in the best get-ups (Casper the Friendly Ghost was a personal favorite for me - Underdog for my brother) and out we would roam for a couple hours at least - door to door in the grand old American tradition of begging for candy. Heck, there are times as an adult I'd be willing to put on a little sumpin sumpin and go door-to-door if I thought people would give me chocolate. Hey, at least once a month. But I digress.

Anyway, when I was a kid, this was the THING of the year to do. You waited for it, you longed for it, you had a free ride to get all the candy your little hands could possibly cram down into a pillow case (hey, we didn't have the fancy plastic pumpkin heads back then). We grabbed a flashlight and house to house we ran, as our parents stood back on the sidewalk, making sure we were safe and polite, the occasional "what do you say?!?" ringing out in the night. Now, if you were lucky, you could wind up co-mingling with kids as you made your way through the neighborhood, and by the time your parents called it quits on you - you were one of three Caspers in a group of 15 kids all ecstatic and hopped up on candy they managed to cram down in between houses.

When the parents could not take another step without groaning, we raced home and made a b-line for the living room, where the bounty of the night was non-ceremoniously spilled on the floor in a pile and sorted. Not before Mom got down there and sifted through, making sure someone hadn't slipped any questionable items in with the mix. Once she gave the green light, we were hysterical to tear into our favorites. After about ten pieces, Mom would notice the drugged and drowsy look in our eyes, and tug our booty away to go on top of the fridge and to be doled out in smaller increments over the coming days. Off we would go, to de-costume, take a bath, and start counting until next year.

Which brings me back to our street. What the heck? We had about 7 door bell rings, resulting in about 15 kids - not enough to make a small dent in our MAN size bowl of sugary goodness.

What's up with that?

We did get a visit from our favorite 2 year old - Keira Grace - who was adorable as a USC Cheerleader - sooooo cute! So enjoy and someone please tell me:

Where did all the Trick-or-Treaters go?


12 comments :

Elisa...life as we know it. said...

Oh man...that is a sad turn out!
Oh well...I guess it's more yummies for you guy's!

Kim said...

We had 4 kids... and the dogs scared them sooo bad they were crying...
Happy Halloweeen...
Kim

Robyn said...

I second Elisa....more candy for you!!!! Keira is too freakin' precious!!1

Can't wait til next year when we will both have our own trick-or-treaters.

Love ya!!

Anonymous said...

The same thing happened here in Elk Grove. I could not figure out where all of the kids were. Jenae came over and we went out, (of course me on my scooter) and it was like valley of the dead!!! No freakin' groups of kids, very little kids with parents, and porch lights on with candy in bowls.....and no cute little kids out! I was so disappointed.
What did happen to Halloween????
Love ya, Mom

Anonymous said...

We were all celebrating Reformation Day. Y'know, Martin Luther (*NOT* King) nailing the 95 Theses to the Church door, starting the Reformation. It happpened on an October 31st. Go LUTHER!! Everybody drink a beer in his name! Just like he did!

;)

That's what *I* was doing ... while dressed as Frankenstein and controling the dogs when the few kids that DID show up rang the bell!

-AB

Unknown said...

we expected a lot more as well!!! Shes a cutie

Erin said...

They were all in Kelley's and Valerie's neighborhood! I have never seen the kids that I saw out Wednesday night. Next year, you can just come trick-or-treating with us. You won't want to be home anyway since you will have your own little Halloweener! :-) Love you!

Suz said...

We had the total opposite problem last year here in Phoenix. We had soooo many trick or treaters I was out of candy in less than 30 minutes. Most of them were teenagers, not even dressed up, didn't even say trick-or-treat or thank you - it was awful! We turned off the light this year and passed candy out at our church instead. I love your memories of Halloween - that totally sums it up! Have you read the Jerry Seinfield book about Halloween?
Suz

Christy said...

I agree. Every year the tick or treaters get less and less. I think schools and churches are starting to do more to keep it safe but hay we live in a good neighborhood and we have a ton of left over chocolate bars- not a good way to start my diet-- uggg!!

Christy :)

4D said...

We get barely a handful. We were the Scrooges of Halloween.

Keep smilin!

Briana's Mom said...

So sorry you had such a icky turnout on Halloween. Bummer! That is how it used to be in my old neighborhood. We used to get like 5 or 6 kids - tops. In the neighborhood I live in now, there are tons of kids. I guess it just depends on the neighborhood. Maybe you will get a better turn out next year!

Elise said...

Weird....we had a ton more than last year, my hubs had to run to the store to get more candy. Maybe you should move here:) We have two homes for sale on our cul-de-sac;)

Looking on the bright side, you did get to keep all the goods:)