Is This a Trick, or a Treat?

When I was a child (wow, that phrase makes me sound old!), trick or treating was a Halloween thing. By that I mean, we went out, door-to-door, on the 31st of October, every year. In fact, that’s been the way of things every year I can remember…

Until this year. This year, I keep hearing stories of people trick or treating early. An online friend of mine took her boys out last night, which she says is the way things are done where they live; trick or treating is always done on a weeknight instead of a weekend. Okay, I figured. I’ve never lived where she lives, so maybe it’s just a regional thing.

Then, minutes ago, I saw a Facebook message from someone who lives in my hometown. She and I went to high school together, and she lives there still… and is taking her children trick or treating on Main Street tonight.

What has brought on this change? Why are businesses and neighborhoods handing out their goodies on other nights, instead of just on the 31st itself? Is this due to communities’ desires to reduce “tricks,” or business’ desire to sell more “treats?” I imagine it’s some of each, but I hope the trend does not spread. I rather like the fact that I can take my little monster trick or treating tomorrow. On Halloween itself.