Halloween – the only holiday that gives kids an excuse to go door to door with a sheet over their head and receive candy in return; a chance for girls to wear almost nothing and call it a costume; and an occasion for people to perform semi-illegal activities such as toilet papering, smashing pumpkins and trespassing and deem it a holiday festivity.
Halloween is also an opportunity to carve pumpkins, watch some creepy classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus for the umpteenth time, get crafty with decorations and costumes and pig out on candy until we’re too sick to move – no, we’re still not too old for trick or treating.
It’s a holiday unlike any other; probably one of the most fun and festive days of the year if you allow yourself to embrace your inner child and appreciate all Halloween has to offer.
Amidst all the fun and games, however, it is easy for things to get a little out of control and for the holiday celebration to cross the line of safety. Fortunately, a few precautions will help you avoid any potentially dangerous situations and leave room for some healthy, wholesome Halloween fun.
The first and most important rule: don’t take candy from strangers. We grew up knowing this rule, and it is just as applicable now as it was then. Then again, that would narrow down your trick-or-treating locations to neighbors and relatives only, thus limiting your candy revenue. So, scratch that rule.
Another good precaution: be careful where you put your Jack-o-lanterns. Those little tea lights can turn into a big fire before you can say “Double, double, toil and trouble,” putting a damper on the holiday fun. The same rule goes for séances.
The third rule of safety: be cautious in your choice of costume props. Avoid swords, scythes, light sabers, electric saws and any other sharp, threatening tools that could cause harm to yourself or others. This should just be common sense.
Of course, there are the obvious precautions, like walking around ladders, hanging up garlic to ward off Edward Cullen and all his friends, placing all mirrors in a safe spot where they can’t be broken and averting your eyes from any stray black cats.
On a more serious note, be careful when driving on Halloween. No matter if you are in Abilene or Austin, there will be drunk drivers roaming the streets, just as on any other holiday. Opt to get together with friends and stay in one place rather than driving aimlessly and increasing your risk of being in an accident. If you are on the road, be aware of costumed children crossing the street or partygoers walking to their cars.
Finally, don’t do anything you will regret. Everything’s fun and exciting until someone has an MIP or noise violation ticket. Make wise choices, and girls, save the inappropriate, Mean Girls-worthy outfits for Lindsay Lohan. Most of all have a responsible, enjoyable Halloween weekend.
