We don’t exactly have a crypt, but we do have a couple of funny Halloween anecdotes worth sharing from our little corner of the neighborhood.
First, the trick-or-treat turnout on our street is usually light. Our block lacks sidewalks and stays relatively dark, so only a steady trickle of families makes the effort. This year we stayed up on Friday night to hand out candy, and about two dozen kids came by over the course of the evening. Most visits were routine—costumes, brief hellos, a quick exchange of candy—but one group made the night memorable.
Four pre-teen girls arrived together, each dressed as a different spirit of whimsy—fairies, a princess, a cat, and a witch. Instead of the usual “trick or treat,” they opened with something out of left field: “We are in love with everything in your house.” It was so specific and enthusiastic that we paused at the door, a little surprised. They didn’t linger to admire individual items, but their voices trailed behind them as they praised our lamps, the color of our curtains, and an array of framed prints. It was genuinely flattering, if unexpected.
We handled it the practical way: smiled, thanked them, and handed over some M&Ms. As the door closed, we could still hear their whispers about our interior design choices as they moved along to the next house. It was a reminder that children notice details adults often forget to mention, and that compliments can come from the most unlikely sources. We’ll gladly accept praise from a group of twelve-year-olds dressed as fairies—what parent wouldn’t?
The second anecdote involves our dog, Burger. Neither Sherry nor I dressed up this year, but Burger did—sort of. He wore a glow-in-the-dark skeleton t-shirt purchased for the occasion. While he wasn’t thrilled about wearing clothing, the costume did make him part of the festivities. His tolerance for the shirt was short-lived, and whenever he felt it enough, he broke into a series of exaggerated, wiggling maneuvers trying to get it off. Those in-between moments were oddly theatrical: a paw pawing at the fabric, a sudden spin, then a short run around the living room as if reminding us all that Halloween is a time for silliness.
We were lucky enough to capture one of those fits on video—one of those small, domestic clips that makes you laugh out loud later when you’re editing or scrolling through footage. Seeing Burger’s frantic but ultimately harmless protest reminded us that Halloween is as much about small, cozy memories as it is about candy and costumes. Even if your household is mostly low-key, a silly dog in a costume can create an unforgettable moment.
Beyond these two moments, the night felt warm and neighborly. A few families stopped for brief conversations on the porch, children compared candy hauls, and older kids went from house to house in elaborate groups. The atmosphere was friendly rather than spooky, with more laughter than screams. It was a satisfying balance: light Halloween fun without the pressure of elaborate displays or late-night parties.
Whether your evening involved elaborate decorations, a full costume, or something as simple as handing out candy and watching a pet’s antics, I hope you had a pleasant Halloween. Small moments—an unexpected compliment from a group of kids or a dog’s earnest attempts to escape a costume—often become the most memorable parts of the holiday.
We’d love to hear your Halloween stories too. If you had a particularly charming, funny, or odd moment this year, feel free to share it. The best tales are the ones that are true, unpolished, and full of genuine surprise.