If you are new to Silicon Valley, you may wonder what the customs are around Halloween, which is always October 31st. It’s pretty simple. Kids get to dress up in costumes and go door-to-door in residential areas (houses, usually, but also condos, townhouses and apartments) and say “Trick or Treat” and receive the treat, which normally is candy.
People in homes are expected to have candy of some sort to give away if they have their lights on, a jack-o-lantern burning or any Halloween decor. If the house is dark or unlit, it should be skipped. Most houses will have a jack-o-lantern, meaning a carved pumpkin with a candlelight (or something similar) in it.
In some areas, such as the Almond Grove area of Los Gatos, homes may get as many as 200 kids in an evening! In other areas, where homes are spread out or for some other reason it’s not so popular, there may be 20 or less.
Finally, parents should accompany children as they go door to door. Candy is not given to adults – it is tacky for grownups to come with a bag or even in costume to collect sweets. Don’t do it, you’ll appear greedy and uncouth. It is also uncool for trick-or-treaters to expect candy if not in costume.
Have fun and be safe!
Happy Halloween!
