Trick-or-treating

halloween · candy · costumes · traditions

What it means. When kids say "trick or treat," they're playfully saying: give us candy or we'll play a harmless prank on you (though the "trick" is usually just joking around).

The treats. Treats are usually candy and sweets, though some places give money instead. Kids collect tons of it in bags or buckets as they walk around.

How homes signal yes. Families who want to give out candy put Halloween decorations outside, leave their porch lights on, or leave bowls of treats on their porch for kids to grab.

A night tradition. Trick-or-treating happens on October 31st every year, when people of all ages dress up in costumes and travel from house to house in their neighborhoods.

Evening adventure. Kids go out in the evening after dark, which makes the whole experience feel magical and a little spooky as they explore their neighborhoods.