I recently saw someone lamenting the lack of Trick or Treaters at their home, suggesting that Trunk or Treats were cutting down the number of kids going door to door for treats.

This Halloween was fun filled for my 10-year-old, James. We went to Halloween events at Lehigh University, his riding barn and BAPL ‘s Trunk or Treat. We trick or treated in North Bethlehem, and went to the BAVTS Food Truck trick or treat. He had two costumes. Both were “Five Nights at Freddy’s” characters. He wore his Freddy Fastbear outfit to Lehigh, the barn, and the BAPL, and his school parade. (I had to soak the barn dust out of it after the riding show and party). The second costume, Moondrop, arrived the afternoon of Trick or Treat night. He wore it for trick or treating, the Five Nights at Freddy’s movie and for the BAVTS event and from there to play rehearsal on Halloween. It was fun, since the high school actors were mostly wearing Halloween costumes, too. (James is acting in Freedom HS’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life.”)

We went from home to his school, and then the neighborhood just past his school where there were crowds and a party atmosphere. Next we crossed into the historic district where were found a few more houses giving out treats. We visited one of James’ friend’s houses, and finished the evening at Chocolate Lab so his older brother could see his new costume. It was a little bittersweet, since I don’t know if he will want to trick or treat next year when he goes to middle school. But it was a lot of fun this year.

One thing we did throughout the events was say “Thank you” when he received treats or compliments on his costumes. Halloween is a great time for practicing good manners. Starting with saying “Trick or treat,” or for the Udder Bar food truck, “Moo!” It’s all good social practice.

We saw lots of creativity, cleverness and kindness. From a homemade bowl of fruit loops costume, to a neighbor who had a table of mystery boxes, to the wonderful activities and crafts run by the students at Lehigh University. We saw our community come together at Payrow Plaza for the BAPL Trunk or Treat.

I remember by the time my older kids came along, my mother’s neighborhood had grayed, and she didn’t get as many trick or treaters as she did when my sister and I were young. But she enjoyed every costumed kid who came to her door. When the kids were a little older, we moved to a neighborhood full of kids, and ran out of candy every year. These things run in cycles, so I don’t think trick or treating is going away any time soon.