Designer: Tamryn Taub
Tenley (Trick-or-Treating):
As much as everyone loves going to parties, it is not every day that free candy is given out by the handfuls. This Halloween, the debate continues: party vs. Trick-or-Treating.
The first and most obvious reason is the candy. If candy isn’t something that peaks an interest, then this reason can be ignored. However, Gen Z craves sweet treats more than any other generation, according to Talker Research.
There is more to it than just the candy, though. When Trick-or-Treating, the chance to see an abundant number of amazing Halloween decorations and little kids in costumes is given, and this couldn’t be done at any basement party. From ghosts to princesses, the children are bound to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Moving past the young kids, Trick-or-Treating lets all people dress up. Walking around to Trick-or-Treat isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but even the anticipation of hearing the doorbell ring, not knowing who is going to be on the doorsteps, is an unmatched feeling of joy.
Trick-or-Treating is innocent fun that is inclusive of everybody. At parties, only certain people are invited, leading to the feeling of FOMO that can cause disputes or unwanted drama.
But, Trick-or-Treating is low pressure and the feeling of “fitting in” is not essential to enjoy the night. One out of 11 teenagers, ages 13 to 17, experience social anxiety according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This equates to 9.1 percent of people at a party not enjoying themselves due to social anxiety.
For teenagers, the art of Trick-or-Treating is coming to a close. Even freshmen have only four more years of savoring childhood before going off to college where this opportunity will not be given.
To end, going to parties can put any underage adolescent in a bad situation if substances such as drugs or alcohol are involved. Up to 90 percent of teens have felt peer pressured to do something they did not want to do according to Peer Magazine. At a party with illicit drinks added with the peer pressure of several people can lead to dangerous actions.
So, Trick-or-Treating allows all teenagers to stay out of trouble without the fear of upsetting anyone.
Delaney (parties):
Nobody enjoys walking in the wind, the snow or the rain. Personally, I would rather sit in someone’s house and enjoy time with my friends. Trick-or-Treating was barely fun as a kid and is worse now.
Trick-or-Treating requires tons of walking in a heavy costume, but all for what: Some gross candy someone could get at Kroger the next day. To me, Halloween isn’t just about the candy; Halloween is about dressing up and having a fun time with friends.
At parties, people get to talk to their friends, play games and even meet new people. While Trick-or-Treating, on the other hand, conversations get broken up by each ring of the doorbell.
Focusing back to the weather, I would rather not spend my Halloween bundled up in a coat, covering most of my costume. Dressing up is the best part of Halloween, so people shouldn’t want to hide it with a coat. Costumes are made to be seen and enjoyed. Trick-or-Treating takes away that enjoyment.
A lot of kids struggle with anxiety, specifically social anxiety. The whole point of Trick-or-Treating is talking to strangers. Not only is that going against the No. 1 rule parents teach their children, but it also stresses them out.
Imagine being a kid being forced to face their biggest fear, all for some candy. Yes, parties might not be the best option for a socially anxious person, but participating in activities like hanging out with close friends kids are comfortable with, sitting on a couch cuddled up with blankets, watching classic Halloween movies. To me, that sounds like the perfect, ideal Halloween.
Be the first to comment