Carmen Macri
Words by Carmen Macri
Does anyone else have to dig deep into the memory vault to recall the last time they went trick-or-treating? It’s kind of like trying to reminisce about those endless hours of playing outside as a kid — you know it was a thing, but the specifics elude you, right?
Now as grown-ups without little goblins of our own, what exactly is the game plan for Halloween? I mean, post-college life has left me with zero enthusiasm for house parties, and I’ve learned to steer clear of the chaos at the Beaches bars on this haunted night. So what’s a responsible adult to do?
The answer is simple.
You go trick-or-treating … with a twist.
Now, as I mentioned, I have no ghouls or goblins of my own (thank god), but I do live in a nice area where trick-or-treaters frequent. So starting last year, my boyfriend and I decided: to hell with house parties! Let’s be responsible adults and give candy to little kids (in the least sinister way possible). But let me just tell you … it was boring as hell. I mean, seriously. You just sit in a lawn chair attempting to make small talk with the parents while their devils ransack your candy bowl.
So why do the kids get to have all the fun on this fright night? That’s a hypothetical question.
Adult trick-or-treating – What a wonderful idea.
I had not yet heard of this last Halloween, and it wasn’t until our last editorial meeting that I realized adult trick-or-treating is in fact a very real and very exciting thing. After a lap (or two) around the neighborhood and after the parents put their gremlins to sleep, that’s when the party starts. Halloween bowls are refilled, but not with candy — with shooters. Some wrap them in tissue paper as a makeshift ghost, others just hand them out as is. If you’re lucky and live near a pristine baker, some people even leave out boozy candies or desserts.
Parents or non-parents (over the age of 21, of course) hit the streets of their neighborhood for a night of mingling and mischief. Think of it as a traveling cocktail party. You and your neighbors get to revel in the joy of donning costumes, teaming up with kindred spirits and taking the cul-de-sac by storm. (Plus, free drinks?)
Certain hosts have even taken the “trick or treat” tradition to a whole new level by crafting a medley of boozy concoctions, each served in a shot glass. Among these creations, some are bound to be wickedly awful (trick), while others are scrumptiously delightful (treat). But here’s the kicker: once you make your selection, you’re committed to downing it before you move on to the next residence.
Not only is it fun to relive the golden days, but it’s also an excellent means to foster connections with your neighbors, either as a host or as a creepy (bar) crawler.
Regrettably, my neighborhood hasn’t quite caught the drift of adult trick-or-treating just yet. But that’s perfectly fine; every grand tradition has to start somewhere, and in this case, it’s with yours truly. With that in mind, if you’re feeling as weary as I am of Halloween house parties and packed, perspiration-soaked bars, why not be the spark for your neighborhood? I’m willing to bet they’ll relish the idea just as much as you do.
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