The Official Rules of Halloween According to Seattle Met

Tips

• We Trick-or-Treat on Halloween: Trick-or-treating happens on October 31. Accept no substitutes.
• Wear a Costume: You don't need to wear a costume while trick-or-treating, but then we don't need to give you candy either.
• If You Aren't Participating, Lights Off: If you're not giving out candy, turn all exterior lights off so kids don't waste time.
• We Want Candy: Stick to candy, not pencils or healthy snacks.
• Not Too Early, Not Too Late: The sweet spot for trick-or-treating is between 6pm and 9pm. Earlier is okay for little kids, but no teenagers at 11:30.
• New Candy, Please: Hand out fresh candy, not vintage or last year's.
• Speaking of Candy: Offer both chocolate and non-chocolate options. Kids get two small pieces until you run low, then one, or give by the handful if you have too much.
• Candy Corn: The Seattle Met staff couldn't agree whether candy corn is acceptable.
• The Parent Tax: Parents are entitled to as much of their kids' candy as they want.
• Scare City: DIY decorations that scare trick-or-treaters are endorsed, but keep in mind some kids might not be old enough for those thrills.
• Dressed Down: If you get political with your costume, be really funny or really on top of the zeitgeist.