According to a poll by Fun Crew USA, Halloween ranks as the third most popular American holiday, right behind Thanksgiving and Christmas. Once the air outside slightly crisps, the excitement to get dressed up and go door-to-door for candy is almost instantaneous. 

However, some believe that the engagement in this specific tradition should end when you have reached your teenage years. This is an absurd statement to many varying degrees. Upperclassmen in high school are already constantly reminded of how they need to grow up and get ready for the future. There is always talk of licenses, colleges, and the most terrifying of all: jobs. 

Burdened with the constant reminders of how adulthood is practically knocking on the door, upperclassmen tend to forget that it is okay to still have fun. With just 1-2 years left of high school, they should be living out our youth to the fullest. How much more youthful could you get than dressing up as something you love and trick or treating? 

A large part of our childhood should not have to come to an end so early on. There is a rise in teenagers who fall out of the spirit and stop celebrating, even before ever reaching high school. This lost art should reignite enthusiasm in those who consider themselves “too old,” leaving them with no choice but to pick up their goodie bag with pride for one last ghostly gallop.

-Kayla Davis

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Each year nationwide, when the air is cold and leaves brown, a holiday filled with festivity and fun is commemorated. Various activities and events take place during this cozy time of the year. Delicious menus and pastries come out in our favorite restaurants and fast foods. Decorations are set up. Children dress up in creative and innovative costumes, going door-to-door for candy.

While this fun-filled spooky season happens, what if I told you some of these “trick or treaters” are 18? These teens go door-to-door asking for candy, which is a little odd since most of them are past that stage of their life. Should their priority really be which homes offer the best chocolate bars?

Trick or treating is meant for the younger generation to enjoy. Although there is much to prepare for, there are alternative, age-appropriate ways to celebrate and have fun on this night. Teens can host costume parties, get together, make treats with friends and watch movies.

Although this season should be enjoyed and celebrated, there are also things that should be prioritized and focused on. Traditions can be started that could be more fitting for certain age groups and fun activities can still be enjoyed. 

Seniors, it’s time to retire and pass the trick-or-treating torch to the younger generation and continue on.

-Oghosa Ehanire

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