How to have Halloween fun - safely

Beginning as “All Saints Day” around the 4th century to remember Christian martyrs, the practice of trick or treating became popular in the 1930s. Since then, creatures have been roaming the streets once a year to get some sweets that would (hopefully) last until next year, or at least until Easter.

Here is a few suggestions on keeping yourself safe this Halloween, followed by some tips on trick or treating.

Don’t go alone and let someone know your plans. Pre-planning and communication can go a long way in guaranteeing your safety, and the safety of others, on a busy holiday. Establish a meet-up spot, just in case someone gets separated from the group.

Make yourself seen. If reflective clothing doesn’t match with your Halloween costume, try glow sticks or flashlights. According to the Washington Post, the most child pedestrian fatalities occur on Halloween. Exercise common safety measures by looking both ways before crossing the street and don’t run into the roadway.

Don’t ride in a stranger’s car. As tempting as it is to cut down on travel time by riding between houses to be able to spend more trick or treating, make sure it’s someone you know at the wheel.

Practicing safe behaviors can keep Halloween from getting too spooky, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of how much candy trick or treaters can haul on this holiday. Here are some tips gathered from around the internet to maximize your results.

Play music going door to door. Playing music lightens the mood. But it can also add to the effect of your Halloween costume. If you’re going as a character, try playing music they might listen to.

Use creative Halloween bags. Even though the standard pillowcase can do the trick, getting creative with your candy-hauling vessel can make people want to deposit even more candy. For example, try trick or treating with a piñata.

Bring a back up bag. If possible, pour your halloween candy into it. Trick or treating with a constantly empty bag might cause some houses to want to put even more candy into your bag just so it looks more full.

Play double or nothing: bring a coin with you while trick or treating. Before the person has a chance to give you any candy, ask if they want to play double or nothing. Heads: they give you double the candy, tails- they give you nothing.

It works better if there’s no one waiting behind you at the house where you’re trick or treating.

Trick or treat with two costumes at once. This trick will hopefully earn double the treats. Put a mask on the back of your head so the back side of you is also going as a character for Halloween. Trick or treat as normal, then, after they put the candy into the bag, turn your back to them to reveal a whole new costume. Using a different voice when saying “trick or treat” helps.

Smaller yards equal more houses. While larger houses with larger yards typically have nicer pieces of candy, it takes a lot more time to get to (and sometimes find) the front doors of those residences. Hitting up neighborhoods with smaller yards means you can hit more houses in a shorter amount of time, meaning more candy at the end of the night.