The Costume
A little forethought in your costume planning can go a long way to increasing your fun while trick or treating. Make sure you have a good range of motion and field of vision. Going as the headless horseman may be a great idea, but if you can't see what is going on then you won't have any fun.One year I decided to go as a pumpkin. I built a paper mache pumpkin big enough to sit in. I mounted it on a skateboard and cut two slots in the bottom to push myself along with. It looked great. Unfortunately all I got to see was the inside and it wasn't as easy to push as I had hoped. It took three of my friends to push around and after two houses we crashed into the ditch. In other words great ideas do not necessarily equal good times.
The Candy Receptacle
After a great costume the next most important thing is what you will keep your candy haul in. If you go with a bag you'll want a sturdy bag that is easy to open wide. Don't use a plastic grocery store bag. By the end of the night it'll rip and all that candy will be go. A bucket is a great option and the old standby pumpkin bucket is still one of the best. Whatever option you use make sure it is sized appropriately for the child carrying it (when filled with candy).My brother once came across what amounted to a 4-feet tall, 6-feet wide metal bowl. He and his friends decided to put in a false bottom, cover it with candy to make it look full, and then take it trick or treating. It was a great gag, but not very ergonomic.
Extra Illumination
If you are using a translucent candy receptacle put a flashlight or battery powered LED light in the bottom for some extra illumination. It also acts as a great safety feature that your kid will not loose or turn off. If the candy receptacle is opaque consider taping a light to it.The Posse Approach
Herding children along dark streets while they are hyped up on candy and excitement is difficult. So if you are going to herd them you might as well do it right. Trick or treat in a group with other kids and parents. The adults can then form a net around the outside.The point keeps a look out for cars and other dangers and keeps the herd on course. Those on the edges keeps unobservant children from wandering into the street or other places they shouldn't go. And the backup keeps everyone in front of them and urges the stragglers along. Divvying up the responsibilities and having extra hands on deck will reduce your stress while improving your overall performance.
