How to Trick or Treat

You knock on a door, say a simple phrase and a stranger gives you candy. It doesn't get much better than that, but you only get to do it one night of the year. Find out how to celebrate Halloween in your coolest costume. Don't forget to say "Trick or Treat!"

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Costume
• Container for candy
• Flashlight (optional)

1. Decide what you'd like to be for Halloween. The earlier you start thinking about possible costumes, the more time you'll have for costume shopping or making.

2. Choose a costume. You can either buy a costume from a store or make one yourself with items you have on hand. Popular costumes can include current movie characters, cartoon characters or old favorites like witches and ghosts.

3. Choose a candy container. This is what you'll collect your candy in. It can be simple or elaborate. Many stores sell containers that will match costume themes.

4. Try on your costume before Halloween to be sure it fits.

5. Make sure you have any accessories you need. For example, if you're dressing as a pirate, you may want an eye patch, hat, fake sword and fake parrot to prop on your shoulder.

6. Dress in your costume on October 31.

7. Begin trick or treating around 6:00 p.m. or when it gets dark.

8. Go to a house and either ring the doorbell or knock on the door.

9. Yell "Trick or Treat!" when someone answers the door.

10. Hold out your container to collect candy.

11. Say "Thank you."

12. Repeat Steps 8 to 11 until your container is full, it's getting too late or you're tired and ready to go home.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop for costumes early to mid-October. The closer it gets to Halloween, the less choice you'll have.
• The more detailed your costume is, the more authentic it will appear.
• Use a flashlight if you're in an area that's not well-lit.
• Parents should warn their children not to go into anyone's home.
• Parents should check their children's candy before allowing them to eat any.
• If a house doesn't have lights on, the residents might not be home or may not celebrate Halloween. Skip it and move on to the next house.
• Always trick or treat with a group of kids and adults.