Halloween
October 31

Halloween received it's name because it was considered a Hallowed (holy evening) because it preceded (came before) a Christian holy day. (All Saints Day)

Overtime the majority of people in the US just think of it as a fun day to dress up in costumes,

eat candy
cupcakes
and have a party.

Children often dress up in costumes at school and play games. Room mothers bring refreshments and plan the parties.

Then in the evening just as it turns dusk people in the neighborhoods turn on their porch lights and children go up and down their streets with sacks or plastic pumpkins and ring the doorbells of their neighbors.  When their  neighbor comes to the door the children say
"Trick or Treat."

Those people who have their porch lights on have previously gone out and bought candy or gum or popcorn balls, or have made something special to give to the children.  Some people have even given pennies and nickels to the children.

The children put their bags  in front of them and the neighbors put a piece of candy in each of their bags.
 It is always important to make sure that a parent goes along with the children.  In the children's excitement they may go to a home that does not have a porch light on.  People without a porch light on do not want the children bothering them and have done unkind things to children like putting pins or razor blades into their candy.

So get to know your neighbors and don't go to people's houses that you don't know.

Lately malls have set up special times when each of the stores give out candy so that might be a good alternative if you are uncomfortable with taking your children around the dark neighborhood.

But remember to plan that children will be ringing your doorbell on Halloween.