Trick-or-treat Etiquette

By: Deborah King

Yes, there is etiquette for everything!

Here are a few quick reminders for those trick-or-treaters.

• A costume must be worn.
  
  
• You must be easily seen in the dark.
  
  
• Stay with an adult.
  
  
• Do not trample through gardens or yards.
  
  
• Only approach homes where lights are on.
  
  
• Respect homes where people do not wish to participate.
  
  
• Knock on the door and say, “Trick or treat” to the person who answers.
  
  
• Thank the person for the candy gift.
  
  
• Do not ask for something different.
  
  
• Do not express disappointment in the gift given.
  
  
• Do not push others out of your way.
  
  
• Do not litter.
  
  
• Trick-or-treating traditionally starts at dusk and should end by 9 p.m.
  
  
• Please retire when you become a teen. Host a party or attend an event instead. Most teens do not go with their parents and homeowners are rightfully leery about opening the door to someone who may be an adult in a costume.

Remember, safety is the key. Safe costumes, safe travel, safe exposure to strangers, safe food and safe fun.

Check out the options in your community for safe Halloween fun. Churches, malls and community centers provide great alternatives to door-to-door candy gathering.

Deborah King, a former Federal Way resident, is president of Final Touch Finishing School Inc. Contact: www.finaltouchschool.com.