Rules & edicit to Halloween Trick or Treating.

[tantricia44]

I have a problem every Halloween & it's getting worst every year. Last Halloween kids rang my door bell & I open it found 2 kids dress in costume  & 2 older kids w/out a costume. I gave all candy but it pissed me off b/c if you don't bother to wear a costume on hollows eve, you don't deserve to get any candy. This Halloween, I don't plan to give out candy because of this problem. I don't want to waste money I don't have for people that want free candy & won't dress for Halloween. Am I being too harsh or should I make them do a trick if they want the candy but not dress for Halloween? What do you think?

[animikokala]

I've always had a simple policy when giving out candy:  no costume, no candy, no matter the age.  I'll give older kids, and even adults candy if they have a costume on.  They made an effort, I'll "throw them a bone".

When I was a teenager, I'd take my younger brothers around the neighborhood for trick or treating; I never expected any candy.  In fact, I watched them from the yard of whichever house they were at, unless they were still too young to consistently remember the "trick or treat" or "thank you" I required from them.  I did, however, always wear a shirt that said "this is my costume" when I took them out.   

P.S.  I am willing to count shirts like the one I wore as a costume.  I like sarcasm.