‘Mommy Said No:’ Kids Lament the Loss of Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is canceled this year.

Halloween is a big deal here in the United States. Everyone gets to dress up as whatever they want and trick or treat for free candy. Despite Covid, 148 million consumers still plan to celebrate Halloween in 2020. Total spending is expected to decrease to $8.05 billion, but the average person says they may spend up to $92.12 on Halloween this year, according to National Retail Federation.

Kids share what they love about Halloween and their shock of this year’s turn of events. Their favorite holiday is going to be very different this year and maybe in the following years to come. The kids are disappointed, but are trying to be good sports.

“Dressing up is my favorite part [of Halloween],” said Olivia Tupou, a 13-year-old from Kaneohe. “I just love everything about it. Me and my mom plan out my costume all year long. This year is a surprise so I’m not saying. I’m kind of bummed that I can’t go out for everyone to see it but I can always post about it.”

Kids and adults look forward to dressing up and being someone else. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts, according to the History website. Some people plan all year on their costumes like Tupou. 

“I’m going to be a spider witch,” said Maile Chang, a 4-year-old from Kahaluu. “I going to have a dress, a pointy hat, and a spider on my face. I’m going to growl like a spider and scratch you.”

“Haunted houses are the best part about Halloween,” said Moon Parkin, a 14-year-old from Waimanalo. “We go all out with our house every year. My dad comes up with themes and this year it’s a pandemic and death theme. My parents are hoping we can pull this off.”

The Parkins clearly love Halloween and making it special for others. He expressed how disappointed he is about this year but hopes everyone can stay safe. The 14-year-old shared that he and his family will be doing a trick-or-treat drive-up in a neighborhood in Waimanalo.

“I like candy,” said Kama Chang, a 5-year-old from Kahaluu, who dressed as the Hulk in 2019. “I want to go to different houses and get big candy but mommy said no.”

Windward Mall is offering safe activities on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no trick-or-treating throughout the mall this year. Instead, the mall is providing safer Halloween activities for the kids. Reserve a time slot for Scary-Good Shopping Pass and take advantage of promotions valid at stores and restaurants only on Halloween. Passes will soon be available to download online from the website or to pick up at the Center.

“I think I have the best neighborhood,” said Tayviah DeCosta, a 9-year-old from Kaneohe. “I live in a community where we have parties. They give out so much candy and some houses have games. My parents said we are not having it this year and I can’t go trick-or-treating.”

If you are planning on trick-or-treating or taking your kids this year, here are some good tips on how to stay safe, according to The Good Housekeeper website. Establish ground rules with your child, they shouldn’t be digging around a candy bowl and touching multiple pieces. Don’t share props, toys, or bowls. Make sure to bring hand sanitizer, and practice not touching the face.