Free Candy? Warning For Montanans About ‘Trunk or Treating’

Celebrating Halloween is much different than it used to be. Instead of taking kids door-to-door to fill their treat bags with sweet treats, many parents have decided to take their children to parking lots for an event known as 'Trunk or Treating.' Here's why it may not be the best idea for Montana parents.

READ MORE: 13 Things That Will Make You Nostalgic For Halloween

If you're a parent, you probably know all about Trunk or Treating, but here's how it works if you're unfamiliar. Usually, a bunch of cars park in a parking lot with trunk loads of candy. Children walk around the parking lot from car to car and stock up on candy. It's fairly simple and much more convenient than traditional trick-or-treating, and parents don't have to drag their kids from door-to-door through neighborhoods.

Why You Should Avoid Trunk or Treating in Montana

The origins of Trunk or Treating are unknown, but it pales in comparison to the traditional trick-or-treating we all grew up with. It may be more convenient for parents, but is the experience fun for children? I remember how excited I was to dress up in my costume and walk around my neighborhood with my friends to go trick-or-treating growing up. Certain neighborhoods were better than others.

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I have always been a big fan of Halloween, but to be honest, I think trunk-or-treating is pretty sad. Remember how long it used to take to fill a pillowcase with candy? It was a challenge, and you had to knock on a lot of doors. Now, kids can spend less than an hour in a parking lot and get the same amount. It just doesn't sit right with me. Halloween used to be magical, but it's lost much of its wonder.

Also, trunk-or-treating is more dangerous than traditional trick-or-treating. With the increase in crime across Montana, it's probably not a great idea to let your children run free in a parking lot to take candy from strangers. Instead, parents should take their kids through neighborhoods and teach them what Halloween is truly about. Here's a story about a parent that says trunk-or-treating is a hard pass for her family.

As a parent, what are your thoughts about trunk or treating? Share your thoughts with us on our radio station app. We'd love to hear from you!