The Lost Art of Trick or Treating

I was ready on Monday with 30 pounds of candy.  But, as darkness fell no one came to my door. I resorted to heading out with the frog princess to a local shopping mall. My sister commented that her generation was the last to enjoy real trick or treating.  After this Halloween, I have to agree.  What happened?  Do you remember what it was like when WE were growing up? I know I said I'd never say that but, really?!  A mall?

What happened to running up to doors, knocking and then running away if their porch lights were off?  And, does anyone TP houses anymore?  Granted, I don't agree with the eggings but, still.

I took my girl to the shopping plaza and plopped her in her little plastic car to make the trek around to the stores.  She got ONE PIECE OF CANDY from each store.  And, not all stores were offering candy.  I was so disappointed.  Thankfully, I couldn't drive with my wings so I took them off before heading over.  Had I been in costume, I really would've been mad if we hadn't gotten any good candy.

And let me take this moment to give a special thanks to the nail salon douche bag who completely ignored my kid and pretty much refused to put the crappy piece of candy into her Jack O' Lantern.  I wish you a rash in places you can't scratch in public.

We headed back home after being out for about a half hour.  Thankfully, kids did end up coming to the door but by then, I wasn't in the spirit.  Growing up in NYC brought with it a different type of trick or treating. I could only trick or treat within my building. Every once in a while trekking to the building next door with an adult.  The bodega on the corner was always good for some candy.  It was an adventure! I mean, someone COULD be trying to kill us with razors in the candy.  I remember my mom inspecting candy and not being allowed to eat any until I made it back home.  One year, I was so pumped about Halloween that, when she went out to go shopping for the costume, I couldn't contain myself and I ran after her all the way downstairs and almost across the street.  That got me no costume that year for running out without adult supervision.

When we moved to Central Florida, it was a bit more fun as we had longer walks but I still remember measuring the stash of candy accordingly.  That's when I was introduced to TP'ing and egging though in NYC you might have your apartment door egged depend on whose nerves you got on and what type of crappy candy you might've handed out.  Nowadays, it seems like such a drag in comparison.

This year, I promised myself I wouldn't have a ton of candy leftover and I got smart and only opened a couple of the small bags. I left the BIG bag closed thinking I'd just return it the next day.  Well, that was until my aunt freaked out because we had a little group of kids come all at once and she thought more were following.  I opened the bag and...it's still sitting right where I left it by the door.  Thankfully, I always buy the good candy so, I guess should I be in the mood for a chocolate binge (which happens about twice a year) I'll be set.

My frog princess had a lollypop for the first time on Monday night! It was great to see the look on her face.  On a good note, it took her about an hour to finish it. I must go purchase more Dum-Dums in Cotton Candy flavor. They are the perfect toddler size for a treat.

What memories do you have of trick or treating as a kid?  Do you think your kids will have similar experiences?