As a nutritionist I probably should think of Halloween as one of the scariest days of the year. For some kids, October 31 induces a candy overload that carries them on a sugar high all the way until the pumpkin pie hits the Thanksgiving table.
I do think that a number of North American households would benefit from a bit more of an "everything in moderation" approach to Halloween - be it in putting some limits on candy collection and consumption, minimizing the over-the-top home decor or not over investing resources in a wear-it-one-day costume. That said, with a couple weeks to go until Halloween, I prefer to focus on some of the ways we can help make the treats and treasures we pass out a little healthier for our kids, our communities and our environment.
Green Halloween has a number of great suggestions for how to "think outside the (conventional) candy box" - most do not require much extra effort on your part.
Give treasures instead of treats: Consider handing out non-food items (treasures) like stickers, temporary tattoos, or my personal favorite - cool bandaids! Another creative idea is to give little activity cards with a joke, word game, magic trick instructions or activity idea printed on them. Save money by involving your kids in designing and printing your own cards to hand out. You may need a little variety in the treasures you have on hand to tailor to different age groups. Teacher supply stores, party goods stores and discount retailers are all great places to look for small non-food items. Green Halloween promotes an online store that sells Green Halloween-themed activity books, crayons and pencils
Better treats for all: As someone with a sweet tooth, I have a hard time saying that families should completely cut out the candy on Halloween. If you have the financial means and/or a expect a relatively small volume of trick-or-treaters, consider investing a little more money in the candy you choose to distribute. A number of online retailers sell individually wrapped treats made with certified organic and/or fair trade ingredients. Equal Exchange and SERRV International sell individually wrapped mini fair-trade chocolate bars that cost about 20-30 cents per piece. Global Exchange offers a complete "Fair trade trick or treat action kit" with a paper decoration, recycled paper bags, fair trade chocolate coins and pre-printed cards with information about the fair trade movement.
Supporting a locally owned business is another way to benefit your greater community. Some people like to give out coupons that entitle trick-or-treaters to a free ice cream cone at a fast food chain. Instead of supporting these establishments, why not talk to a local coffee shop or bakery owner to see if they will let you do something similar that directs business to them? (e.g. design your own coupons that entitle kids to a free hot chocolate or a small baked good at a local shop)
Trick or treating with purpose: Help make Halloween as much about giving as about receiving. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has been around for almost 60 years. Participating children collect coin donations to support UNICEF's efforts on behalf of children around the world. You can download or order materials at the UNICEF website or at any Hallmark Gold Crown or Pier One Imports location. Instead of mailing it in, your children can deposit their donation at Coinstar kiosks found in many local grocery and drug stores.
Global Exchange is promoting "reverse trick or treating" - having your little trick-or-treaters act as ambassadors for the fair trade movment by handing out fair trade chocolate candy and information cards to the households they visit. If you can hurry and visit their website by October 13, you can sign up for one of a limited number of FREE kits.
In day and age where an unexpected knock at the door raises more suspicion than expectation, Halloween is a unique opportunity to practice a little neighborly hospitality. Put some hot cider or hot chocolate on the stove and invite neighbors to come in for a few minutes to warm up and chat. However your family chooses to approach Halloween, I encourage you to try to put in a little extra effort upfront in order to offer children in your community something more than just another candy-binge-induced tummy ache.
