Halloween Tales

I live in an interesting neighborhood where families drive in to trick-or-treat on Halloween. As a result, we end up with several thousand kids and parents wandering out sidewalks on Oct. 31 and gridlock on our street. This is cool and it doesn't bother me because the neighborhood goes all out for this occasion and we decorate, hold parties, and generally have a good time. But I have a few issues that need to be addressed.

1. If you don't have a bag for your candy, then you don't get any candy. No holding out your shirt or hand and hoping we don't notice.
2. If you're over 15, then go home. Halloween is for kids and you're too old for this stuff.
3. If you're carrying a 1 or 2 year old, you don't get any candy either. The candy isn't for your kid. We're not that stupid.
4. If you are walking with your young child, then you don't need to be carrying a bag for candy too. If you want candy, steal if from your kid. If you're a good parent, they'll never notice.
5. Don't just walk up, stick out your bag, expect it to be filled, and walk off silently. This is a polite exchange and you're supposed to say "trick-or-treat" or "happy halloween" or at least a thank you for the candy I'm passing out.
6. Don't come by more than once. Yes, there were 60+ spidermen out last night but I did recognize you if you came by 2-3 times.
7. Don't drive the street while your kid(s) is on the sidewalk. Park, get out, and walk with them. We don't need the traffic and you kid probably needs the supervision.
8. Don't be greedy. You're only getting 1 piece of candy. I can't afford to pass out more than 1 per child and since everyone on our street it out, there will be no shortage by the time you're done. And don't be grabby either.
9. Innovative or cool costumes and cute kids get extra candy. The block of cheese was pretty cool. And the 3 year old lion that roared was adorable.
10. Pets in costumes get milkbones. I felt sorry for the dog in the tutu, but the dachshund in the hot dog costume was hilarious.

That said, there were more good kids, gracious parents, and enjoyable experiences than not and we all had a good time. Just keep the above in mind for next year and we'll all walk away happy.