I was debating on whether I was going to title this post “Why I Love Halloween” or it’s current title of “It’s about Community”.
Last night, Virginia and I took the boys out for Trick-or-Treat (Beggars Night) in the downtown. We look forward to this evening each year for many reasons, not the least of which would be the amazement and wonder for our kids in seeing their friends all dressed up as their favorite characters. This year Connor went as Mario from the video game Super Mario Bros. and Kieran went as Mickey Mouse.
Good Parenting
Trick-or-Treat is an exercise in good parenting. It tests the parent’s ability to both release and restrain their child while in public. It encourages parents who are somewhat remiss on their duties to educate in the etiquette of “please and thank-you” to do so for just this evening. It demonstrates the parent’s ability to navigate their familial unit through throngs of people, making sure not to lose any of them. Trick-or-Treat also is a careful balance of measuring sugar intake against the clock, trying to make sure that the sugar crash and the “I’m tired” comes not when you are half-way across town, but rather only a block or two away from home or the car.
Good Community
Even through all of these trials and tests, Virginia and I enjoy Beggars Night because of the wonderful display of community this evening. Homeowners spruce up and decorate their yards and garages in preparation for the night. Parents walk from house to house and are able to mingle, chat and have a chance to be introduced to new neighbors, friends or extended family members. Often we bump into people that we have not seen for ages as they have since moved out of Tipp City’s downtown area, only to return for this special evening. Hugs are given, hands are shaken and stories are shared. This is an evening where community is on display.
Beggars Night All Year Long
I really wish that our town could have Beggars Night all year long. Why should we have to wait for a single night to come out of our homes and mingle with “the Joneses”? Why should we reserve such activities for such a silly pagan ritual? It is an important community dynamic that I believe we should embrace all year long.
As a community, our bonds are only as strong as the weakest one, so consider this in November when you are out blowing leaves out into the street. Set down your blower, and walk your neighborhood. Find someone you don’t know and introduce yourself. Let them know where you live and how much you enjoy living in Tipp City (or how much you dislike blowing leaves…). I think you’ll find that you both have lots in common, and you may just even add their home to your annual Trick-or-Treat walk next year.
**Also shared on http://mcdermottforcouncil.com
