Today the lady who counted my money at the bank had spiders in her hair. Her long, pointy, green nails scraped across the bottom of the bills as she flipped through my money.
On any other day this scene would ring inappropriate. The banker would be terminated, and perhaps driven to a psych ward. But on Halloween things are different. The rules are flung out the window, and left there until time ticks the last minute of the night away.
People popped up in costumes at a stream of places today. I saw a cluster of grim reapers and goblins in front of the hotel on Ames in Baldwin. My neighbor masqueraded as that creepy guy from V for Vendetta. And I had a class with Mario, as in the brother. It's nice to see people of all ages celebrating this fun event.
But not everyone is dressing up. Some aren't even handing out candy.
I asked a few students what type of candy they were going to give this year. I got doe eyes.
"Candy? Huh?"
You know... that milk chocolatey, gooey, yummy stuff that you try not to eat lest you have to upgrade your pants size? Oh, they knew what it was. They just don't hand it out. From what I've gathered, word around Baker indicates not many do.
I found this unsettling. Maybe I'm just a little too attached to the holiday. But think about it. A little over a decade ago students hauled bags filled with candy corn, Reeses Pieces, Hersheys and Snickers bars from door to door. Their eyes beamed when they saw a porch light, and shot with disappointment when they spotted an undecorated, dark house.
It wasn't that long ago when students felt the thrill of Halloween by receiving. So why aren't many eager to feel a similar thrill by giving?
Distributing Halloween candy enhances the community connection. It shows that you care. And it demonstrates that you know how to have fun.
In this technologically driven, impersonal world, a gesture as subtle as slipping a fun-size bag of M&Ms into a plastic bag can crack the invisible barrier that separates us. Or, if anything else, it can cause the lips of a couple of kids to crack into a smile. That's priceless. So next year, hustle to the grocery and lug a variety pack to the checkout, because no one remembers the places without lights. Or the bankers without green nails.
P. S. If you do heed my advice for next year, don't pass out tooth brushes. That's the parents' domain.
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4 comments:
I definitely agree with what you are saying. In this modern age, it seems like human interaction is becoming a thing of the past. If a small gesture such as giving candy to children helps, I am all for it.
: I love Halloween! This night comes once a year so we should make the best of it. It's a wonderful time for kids to wear cool costumes and run around collecting candy. Then head home with a heavy haul. So make the best of it for them and buy the good stuff. If you dont have sugary sweets maybe give out your roommates cd collection or condiment packets from fast food resturants. Whatever you do, its fun, its nice and the kids will love it. Then maybe you wont have your house egged or car windows soaped. Keep the spirit and fun of the holiday and give out some candy!
I don't understand why people wouldn't give out candy. Unless they couldn't afford it, or if they were greedy. I think it's kind of fun. I've seen some pretty cool and inventive costumes.
"On any other day this scene would ring inappropriate." Loved that line. lol
I have never handed out candy, and never will.
I think the whole process is ridiculous, and if kids want candy their parents should pay for it.
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