Get The Lowdown On Halloween Etiquette  

The rules of the road for holiday etiquette are fairly clear for most American-observed celebrations. Christmas equals presents. Easter equates to bringing a dish to pass. Thanksgiving involves a bottle of wine or a homemade treat. Somewhere along the line, the skinny on Halloween etiquette got lost.

Is there really etiquette to follow on this night of ghosts, goblins and little children that go bump in the night? Absolutely! There are actually two sets of rules to follow: one for trick-or-treaters and another for all the adult parties that are announced this time of year.

Those who wisely choose to stay home on Halloween night and not leave their homes unguarded from the tricksters will find there are some very well defined rules for doing so. From how to signal one is home and handing out the goods to ensuring that parents do not label a house the "creepy" one on the block in regards to candy selection, the etiquette for dealing with the little ones is clearly defined.

First off, to make sure the trick-or-treaters know a house is fair game, the lights need to be left on. It is also a very good idea to pick up any stray items in the front yard and walkway to ensure no mini-Frankenstein monsters take tumbles while trying to pick up their candy. Secondly, when handing that candy out, be sure to give more than one (unless the selection includes the really big, adult size chocolate bars). Do otherwise and the label of "Scrooge" might come early. Lastly, take the time to select candy carefully. Parents are afraid, and rightfully so. Make sure items are individually wrapped and sealed. Do not give out fruit or home baked goods. The days of those items being okay left somewhere around the time of the last "Leave It To Beaver" episode.

Now, in regards to holiday parties for the big kids, the question of host/hostess gifts often comes up. Most people know it is proper etiquette to bring something special for dinner parties, other holiday affairs and even cocktail parties set for any night of the year. Halloween stumps even the most sophisticated. This does not need to be the case.

When going to a Halloween party, consider the atmosphere expected and plan a gift from there. For more formal events, the standby wine or champagne work quite well. Or, go out on a limb and buy the host or hostess a unique gift basket for an extra special touch. Less formal events open the doors on lots of options. The gift baskets and spirits are still great ideas here, but so too are decorations, candy, trays of homemade goodies and more. Have a little fun with the selection and keep the holiday in mind along the way.

Halloween etiquette might seem an oxymoron, but the truth is there are some unwritten rules for the holiday. Follow them closely or beware the tricksters lurking behind every corner!

About the Author

Randy Gardner is "Romeo". He is the exclusive writer of articles on dating, relationships and romantic gifts for Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations website located at at Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations