The reward for most adults handing out
treats to the "Trick or Treaters" are the
delightful and colorful costumes that appear at their
door.
However, many people also enjoy enhancing
the candy giving process by animating the experience
with some interactive fun.
In addition to doing your own tricks,
it is also fun to make the kids do a "Trick"
for their threats. Regretfully, many children no longer
understand this concept so you may find yourself having
to explain to them that in order to get a treat, they
will need to perform a trick in the form of either a
song, a dance, or a joke. The results can be quite amusing.
Here are a few novel tricks you can do
when the "Trick or Treaters" come calling:
TRICKS:
Wear
a "creepy" costume hand and when the door
bell rings, slowly open your door and expose the hand
only...as the suspense builds, rapidly swing the door
open and yell "BOO"!
Working
the door in any scary costume is always a good thing.
When
the kiddies yell "Trick or Treat", reply back
"Trick" and insist that someone in the group
either tell a joke, sing a song, do a candy dance, or
some other task. And definitely insist that those individuals
(usually the older kids) not wearing a costume perform
for their Treat.
Rapidly
swing the door open with your best (loud) horror scream...Then
quickly shut the door. After a brief pause, reopen the
door and say " Oh sorry, you frightened me".
Dress
as the Easter Bunny and answer your door " Sorry,
I only hand out candy at Easter".
Get
a recording a vicious dog growling and barking. When
the door bell rings, crank up the volume. Crack the
door open and pretend you are struggling to keep the
dog from charging out.
Dress
as a police officer and ask to see their I.D.
Rig
a simple pully-system in the ceiling just inside the
front door and out of view. Suspend a large spider attached
to fish line. Engage the children in conversation then
suddenly drop the spider and scream!
Fun Fact: Many years ago,
the Irish carved Turnips and put coals or small candles
inside. They were placed outside their homes on All
Hallow's Eve to ward off evil spirits. They were also
known to use potatoes and Rutabagas.
