Halloween Tricks

Staying home on Halloween night can be more fun than going to a Halloween party if you get into the proper Halloween spirit. The basics of handing out candy to the little tots and oohing and ahing over their costumes is all well and good, but add some flair to your night by handing out tricks as well as treats.

You don't need to spend a lot of money on an elaborate costume to make yourself look scary. Just painting your face and throwing on an old torn up shirt will suffice. Of course the more elaborate the better, however, minimal is just as effective if you deliver the scare properly.

Typically, the little tots show up earlier than the older kids. It's not a good idea to scare the little ones too badly unless you want the ire of the parents. A good small scare though, is waiting until they're just about to knock on the door or ring the bell, then opening the door quickly. The sudden move can make the little ones jump but it won't send them running away screaming.

As the evening progresses and it starts getting dark do the quick door-opening scenario, but just before you do, switch the front entrance light off. Watching the startled little faces provides endless entertainment.

When it becomes fully dark and the flow of trick or treaters has diminished, step outside and stand or sit perfectly still where the kids will have to walk past you. Of course you'll need someone at the door to hand out candy. Let the kids walk past. Try to remain as still as possible. Watch them as they try to figure out if you're fake or real. Assess them to see if they're old enough for a good scare.

When they come back their guard will be down, that's when you make your move. Reach out quickly and yell but don't touch them. Turn on a flashlight and illuminate your grinning face. Chances are you'll have some scared kids.

Another fun way to scare trick or treaters is to cut a hole in the bottom of the candy bucket. Make the hole just big enough for your hand. Tape a cloth or some paper on the bottom of the bucket to hide your arm and hand. Adding a little fake blood to your hand is a good addition. Hold the bucket with your right hand while your left is in the bottom of the bucket palm up. Let a few kids grab candy. When you see a likely trick or treater reach into the bucket, extend your hand out to his. Watch him jump out of his costume in surprise. It's a good idea to give the scared kid some extra candy for being a good sport.

Setting up mini booby traps in your yard can provide some fun scary times too. You don't need to go crazy with this to make it work. Simply connect a string, preferably fishing line, since it's harder to see, to a bush or tree or optimally, a scary decoration that's near your front door. String the line up from the decoration through a hook above your door then down to the doorknob. Tie it securely. When you open the door, assuming your door opens inward, it will move whatever it's attached to. The sudden unexpected movement from an inanimate object always gets a yelp from the Halloween trick or treaters.

Of course the old standbys of scary music and dry ice vapors can add an edge to any spooky Halloween setup.

You don't need to head to a Halloween party on Halloween night to have a good time. The trick or treaters can provide plenty of entertainment if you're willing to get into the Halloween night spirit.