Tragic Sandwich

My mother always said, “I don’t care how old the person is, I’ll give them candy if they’re wearing a costume.” I don’t even draw that line. Seriously, I have given candy to the parents of trick-or-treaters. What, I suddenly can’t spare a tiny Snickers?

During my senior year in college, a bunch of my friends and I dressed up and went trick-or-treating in the extremely fancy neighborhood adjacent to our campus. We even had a theme, dressing up as characters from an epic–although since we were writing that epic ourselves, there is no way that anyone would have gotten the references. We were careful to stay out of the way of actual children, but we wanted to go out and have a harmless good time while we were still together.

Generally, we got a positive reception. But I still remember the exchange I had with one homeowner:

Me: Trick or treat!
Scrooge McDuck: I hope to God you’re collecting for UNICEF.
Me: Okay, I’m collecting for UNICEF. But I’m only collecting candy.
Scrooge McDuck: Aren’t you a little old for this?
Me: Apparently not.
Scrooge McDuck: (holds out tray of candy) Just take one.
Me: But, ma’am, I’m exposing myself to the ridicule of you, and others like you. Don’t you think I deserve two pieces for my strength of character?
Scrooge McDuck: Just take one.

So she got to make her point, or save more candy for small children, or whatever it was she wanted. And I get to tell this story. For the rest of my life.

Happy Halloween, everyone! And don’t be Scrooge McDuck. Unless that’s your costume.

Photo by mia3mom, via Flickr.