Halloween Like the Movies, Too Much To Ask For?

Let me start off by telling you that I was one of the kids who was not allowed to go Trick-or-Treating or participate in the school Halloween parties, so I DO understand those who choose not to participate in Halloween for religious reasons as well as cultural reasons.  But, now as a mother myself I have decided that Halloween is something that I would like my son to be able to participate in.  While I understand the religious objection, I view it as a fun activity for children to participate in as well as experiencing a sense of community.  Unfortunatly last year after taking Mason trick-or-treating for the 1st time I realized that there was not much of a "sense of community" when it comes to Halloween here in Bowie.

While walking up and down the streets I found house after house with their lights off, meaning they were not participating in the city's Trick-or-Treating for the kids.  At least in our section of Bowie we were lucky to find more than two or three houses on the street participating.  Was Bowie ever like those cities in the movies where every house participates, all the kids are in amazing costumes with their older siblings guiding them or holding their parents hand?  If you don't know what I am imagining just watch Hocus Pocus or E.T. sometime and then you'll understand. 

Don't you want to give your kids a Halloween like the ones in the movies?  I know that I do.  I know that some people may have trouble affording the candy to give out but you can get a bag of dum-dums or something else with a large quantity from the dollar store.  You could even get together with your neighbor and split the cost of a big bag. 

This may seem like a silly topic but it truely saddens me when I see parents DRIVING their kid house to house because participating houses are so far apart.  Not only does this take away from the experience but it makes Trick-or-Treating in the City of Bowie more dangerous.  More cars on the road during Trick-or-Treating hours makes the chance of a child being hit or another type of accident that much more likely.  So, please take into consideration this Halloween participating, even if it is just one bag of candy.  Decorating your doorstep would make it even better! 

Happy Halloween (SOON) everyone and remember that these little things really do make memories for your children, or someone elses child!