So I think my town growing up was crazy. Apparently St. Louis is the ONLY place where trick or treating involves actually having some kind of trick. Growing up you HAD to have a joke, song or other trick when you rang someone's doorbell in order to get the candy. I can remember being in grade school and having friends compare jokes that they had memorized just for trick or treating. And the people answering the doors took it seriously too; there would be some people that would say things like "No, I just heard that one. I need something else." and really wouldn't give you candy if you didn't have another joke for them. I know my brother-in-law worked with my nieces last year for weeks making sure that they had jokes lined up for their trick or treating adventures; even parents take this stuff seriously down there.
Having now lived in another place in the country I can tell you that having a trick on Halloween is not standard practice. Years ago when I answered the door in my own home in Stevens Point and asked the kids what their trick was they looked at me like I had lost my mind and just asked if they could have the candy. Chris was so embarrassed he refused to come to the door with me ever again.
Is St. Louis/Kirkwood, MO seriously the ONLY place that requires payment for the candy on Halloween? I loved that part of the tradition growing up and can't believe that no where else is this the case. So my blogging friends from around the country weigh in on this...will you ask for a "trick" for the candy you give out tonight? Did you have to have some kind of "trick" when you went trick or treating?
6 comments:
LOL! Your post made me laugh. We didn't have that at all in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You just said "Trick or Treat" and held out your bag for the candy. We never went trick or treating when we were in California, so not sure about there. Here in Eden Prairie, it's more of just getting the candy.
Have a fun day today!! Happy Halloween!
I grew up in Kansas City, MO and we did not have to have a trick, joke, etc. We just said "Trick or Treat" and they dropped the candy in. I was surprised when people here in St. Louis asked my kids if they had a joke to tell.
Growing up in the STL area, but on the other side of the river you either had to tell a joke or twirl if you were a princess, but you had to do something. I ask all the kids to do a trick or tell a joke at my house. If they are too small, all they have to do is give me a high five and they are good to go!
Take lots of pictures of Sam! Happy Halloween! ~Tracy
I understand exactly what you mean. The first year in KC that David was acutally old enough to go treat or treating I made him learn a rhyme to say and then no one ask for anything. Uncle Wayne and I were both surprised. It really makes it a door to door begging expedition and I don't think it's as much fun. So, I guess St. Louis is the only place you have to perform for your treat. have a Happy Halloween. Love Aunt Ouisie
Last night I did this! These two boys came up for candy (I mean, they didnt even say "trick or treat" they just held up their bags, expecting something) so I was like "wheres your trick? tell me a joke" The first kid told me a joke and it was hilarious so I gave him three handfuls of candy. I look at his friend and say "what about you junior?" hes like "uhh..." I insist, "tell me a joke" Hes like "uhh...nah" so I give him one mini snickers and say, "happy halloween."
SO fun and hilarious!
the girls all practiced there jokes and were very talented and every house asked! Maybe St.L just is better at Halloween! Hope you had fun.
Love, Mom
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