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Trick-or-Treating tips from an etiquette expert

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Etiquette expert Ellen Reddick gives us trick-or-treating tips.

Halloween Etiquette for Everyone

Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays and with good reason. What is not to love about costumes, candy and the celebration of all things scary? Even so, dressing up as something frightful is one thing, behaving like a monster is quite another. There is never an excuse for ghoulish behavior. Just because it is Halloween, it does not mean your manners don’t have a ghost of a chance. Just in time for Halloween here are a few etiquette tips to keep you and your children from committing any major Halloween booboos.

Trick or Treat: Mind Your Mummy

Treat or treating is a time-honored ritual that for many is the focus of Halloween. Children love trick or treating and for many parents, it is one time when the rules regarding candy and sugar gets a little looser. But make no bones about it – even an old tradition has a few basic rules for the ghouls.

Wear a costume. No matter what age you are dress up and join the fun.

Lights, Jack-o-Lantern, Action! Explain to your children that is an unwritten code when it comes to who is welcoming trick or treaters and who is not. A well-lit-house with a grinning carved pumpkin out front is a sure bet. Skip over a darkened house with no lights.

Ding Dong Gone Wrong In all the excitement of Halloween, it is easy for children to get a little overzealous with the doorbell. At each house, ring the doorbell or knock only once.

Say “Trick or Treat’! This phrase is the traditional Halloween icebreaker. People love to hear the excitement in children’s voices.

So, who are you? Be prepared to explain your costume. Not all adults keep up with the latest children’s pop culture.

Say Thank You No matter what treats are handed out, teach your children to be grateful.

Walk the Walk That means stay out of the flowers, off the grass and out of the landscaping. Don’t do anything that may cause damage.

One to a Customer Only go to each house one time and only take one piece of candy.

Know When to Quit If the lights are off, do not knock, if it is past 9:00 it is time to be home.

The Ghostess with the Mostest

Are you staying home to pass out candy this year?  Here are a few tips to help you be the ghost of good cheer!

Here are a few tips to help you be the ghost of good cheer!

Walk This Way If you are welcoming trick or treaters, turn your lights on and if you can light the path to your door.

Who Wants Treats If you can, answer your door with your in hand. Give one or two individually wrapped pieces of candy yourself rather than allowing children to take as much as they want.

And a Big Boo to You! Greet your Halloween visitors with a friendly “Happy Halloween” while you compliment or make small talk about their costumes. Set an example of bewitching hospitality.

Don’t Judge Perhaps you think that a child is too old to be trick or treating or that their costume is not even a costume. Be kind, enjoy and make them feel welcome.

Remember be a spooktacular holiday host, be de-frightful.