success with reverse trick or treat =)

My friends and I took the suggestion of reverse trick or treating and we had a blast. Basically, in a common area at our school, we setup a booth like a bake sale. Initially, people walk by quickly and avoid eye contact because they thought we were trying to sale them something. BUT, as soon as they saw we were handing things out for FREE, we got their attention. Giving away cookies, muffins and coffee, we got a chance to put a smile on numerous faces. Our main goal in doing this was to promote our club and let people know what we are all about. This event was a superb success and we reached and talked to lots of people who we didn't know how to start conversations with before!

All in all, reverse trick or treating is doing good for others. In return, you get to feel good about making other people's day!

Our next goal is to try this or retro trick or treating with our neighbors on Halloween night =) Wish us luck!

reverse trick or treating

The other twist is "reverse trick or treating". This is when you give goodies to people instead of receiving treats yourself. This idea I heard from a friend and I thought, "what a brilliant way to give to those less fortunate or to change the bad stigma around the idea of trick or treating for some folks." This can be done in a public area (i.e. shopping mall) or the good old fashion way of knocking on people's doors. Lights are intentionally turned off on Halloween night for some households to avoid giving away treats. I say, ring those doorbells and surprise them with kindness and a treat of your own! Doesn't that add so much more meaning to the trick or treating as we know it? Since trick or treating was intended to give something back to those who gives, taking it a little further is to give without receiving! Dress up, have fun and prepare some goodies that you can share with someone else!

retro trick or treating

"Retro trick or treating" is when you bring goodies to give back to those who give treats to you. Just imagine for a second, you and your friends (or kids if you are a parent), knocking on a door to say "trick or treat". The homeowner happily opens the door and gives you bunch of candies and chocolate that you know you will enjoy for the rest of year. Now, what about them, don't you want to share this joy with them too? What if before they close that door, you can say, "Please wait, I have something for you too!" I guarantee they will be shocked initially but will accept your kindness in return with gratitude. So, bring some goodies (like cookies, muffins, candies or even thank you note) along this Halloween and put a smile on those generous homeowners!

Origins of Trick or Treating

Where does our custom to dress up and knock on our neighbors' doors to ask for treats on October 31^st night come from? Well, it originated from the medieval times when early Christians in each town go from door to door to ask for food, or 'Soul Cakes'. In return, prayers would be said for the dead relatives of those who donated on November 2^nd, 'All Souls Day'. Over time, it has morphed into a custom festivity of trick or treating.

SO, if the intent from before is to give something back to those who donate the 'Soul Cakes', trick or treating nowadays is missing an important aspect.