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Halloween Etiquette: Trick or Treat Tips

21 Oct 2010 By: Diane Gottsman

Before your little angel, cheerleader or Sponge Bob Square Pants hits the streets this year, a quick review of some important etiquette and safety rules will make Halloween friendlier and safer.

Trick or Treat Tips:

  • Stay off the grass and out of the flowerbeds.
  • If the porch light is off, pass up the house and go only to well-lit doors.
  • Don’t block the door once you have received your treat.
  • Don’t ask for more candy or another type of candy.
  • Only ring the doorbell one time. Don’t knock after the ring.
  • Don’t ask for water or a restroom at anyone’s house.
  • Keep your hands off of anything on the front porch.
  • Be respectful of other trick-or-treaters by waiting your turn.
  • Wear reflective clothing and tennis shoes.
  • Carry a flashlight and don’t point it at oncoming traffic.
  • Stay close to a parent or trusted adult.
  • Always say, “thank you”, even if you don’t like chocolate-covered raisins.

Tips for the Parents:

  • If you are walking with your 6 year-old, holding your 4 month-old and chasing your toddler, consider taking a friend to assist you.
  • Don’t send the toddler or 6 year-old with and extra bucket “for the 3 month-old baby.”
  • Follow closely behind your child and don’t allow him or her to wander off from house to house without supervision.
  • A parent should also acknowledge the person handing out the candy with a smile and a “thank you.”
  • Don’t put your child in a mask that blocks his or her vision. Opt for costume face paint instead.
  • Make sure your child’s costume is not too hot or too light for the weather.
  • Discourage your older teen from trick or treating. Expect raised eyebrows from the neighbors if your teen is carrying a trash bag or pillowcase for a treat bag.
  • Teens should never wear a heavy mask or carry weapon-like gear.
  • Inspect all treats before letting your children eat them.
  • If you do not want to participate in the Halloween ritual, make it clear by turning off your front porch light. Better yet, go out for a nice dinner and return after all of the little goblins are tucked into bed.

Happy Halloween!

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.