My mom used to give out full-size Hershey bars, and my school principal who had the last name "Clark" always gave out Clark Bars. I don't think a bagful of candy on Halloween, especially in the days of "fun-size" candy, is the cause of childhood obesity. If my kids are any example then a good bit of the candy eventually goes into the trash as once the "good" stuff is gone then the less desirable items go uneaten. It would be better to get kids more active and eating treats in moderation the rest of the year rather than to blame a holiday like Halloween. Thank-goodness this story arc is over as it was ridiculous. Donate your used books to programs that benefit kids who have parents who can't afford to buy books or school libraries that have had their funding cut to zip.
Hallowe'en is not a tradition in my parts. However, I have been touched by the sweet responses and reminisces by some people here today. From where I sit, it just looked like a bunch of crass American commercialism, but I have a different view now.
I can see by all of the comments that every area had it's own traditions for Halloween- that is great to hear about. When I was a kid (back in the 40's) what I most looked forward to were home made cookies etc; as my mom was not a good cook (why I started making family meals since 7th grade). When my 4 kids were young, I made (or in later years helped make) the costumes and I usually dressed up and went out with them. I never tire of costumes- so today was an SCA event where I drove over 50 miles away and spent most of the day till nearly dark, just to return home and pass out candy for Tricks and Treats- I'm beat! G'night!
On Halloween my Dad would bring home 3 milk crates of small cartons of Orange drink (He worked for Menzie dary co.) The Owner of the local Funeral Parlor gave out Ice Cream "Sam'miches" and sometimes comics --
- But you could get Free comics @ Eat 'n Park when you bought a Big Boy Hamburger.
This one would have *LOVED* books... but "alass" all they gave out was candy....
We do give out candy; though we only get "trick or treaters" every few years (lonooooooooooooooooogggggggg driveway) So we choose things we will like:)
