How old is too old to go trick-or-treating? Many would say it fades before entering high school, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. Take, for example, Coach Baumstark, a 29-year old trick-or-treater who has great plans to carry out his annual tradition. “It will be my daughter’s second time going…and then my son’s first time.” Even though his kids motivate his spirit of celebration now, it hasn’t always been that way. He explains that “sophomore year of high school” made him consider whether he was too old or too lame to trick-or-treat. However, he acknowledges that you’re never too cool to get free candy. On the other hand, though, trick-or-treating, “if you’re a high school kid walking around with a bunch of elementary kids, is a little strange.”
Freshman Gillian Newell offers a different perspective: “I think it definitely depends on yourself.” For example, if you have no plans, dress up, go out, and celebrate Spooky Season. She admits that “a party fell last year, so I couldn’t [go trick-or-treating],” but plans may be in the works for celebrating with costumes this year. Gillian explains, “Well, I’m definitely dressing up this year. I don’t have a solid plan yet, but someone is wanting me to be a nun with her, and I was just thinking that might be a little controversial, but I guess that’s one of my ideas.”
Both Coach Baumstark and Gillian Newell relayed their favorite costume from previous years . Coach Baumstark explained, “I had an all black costume with a white skeleton mask that had a blood pump on it…and blood would come streaming down your face.” Meanwhile, Gillian’s favorite costume was “last year. I was Bo Jack Horseman…I bought this mask, and I had the whole fit going on, and everyone knew who I was. It was pretty rad.”
Whether you choose to hide your identity or make it known, decide to dress up or not, make a choice to celebrate Halloween just as you see fit!
