Monday, 1 November 2010

Trick or treat !

Last night a lot of doorbells in Australia announced the arrival of Halloween ! It is an American custom but it was quite inevitable that Aussie kids would eventually get around to " trick or treating ", given the influence of American produced shows on our television screens.

Unfortunately is does have a dark side.

Most kids get quite a kick out of dressing as goblins or monsters - And few householders mind giving out some biscuits or lollies, but it would help if the kids managed a smile - and said " thank you ".

There is also the usual few who spoil it for the many.

Some ' trick or treater's " seem to consider a response a right, and when they encounter a home that does not answer the doorbell they take revenge. Sometimes this takes the form of smashing garden ornaments such as gnomes, pulling up prized plants - or generally making as much mess as possible.

Last night both types of kids were on the streets. Let us hope that Halloween develops here as a social event enjoyed by both children and householders alike - and that the young children " trick or treating " are escorted by watchful parents looking out for both their manners - and their safety.

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