As we grow up, our favorite traditions shift and move into what most would consider to be more “age appropriate.” People stop sending letters to Santa and cease to put a tooth under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy. While some activities go out of style, trick or treating is an anomaly of traditions that leaves students wondering, when is the “right age” to stop their childhood festivities?

While senior Shira Ayalon doesn’t plan on trick or treating this year, she acknowledges that there’s a hefty stigma surrounding the holiday. “Some people will refuse [to give] teenagers candy if they knock on their doors,” Ayalon admits. “I don’t see a problem with it…I feel like people are staying out of trouble and doing something fun.”

Junior Madeline Sheng-Williams echoes Ayalon’s points, stating, “I think that a lot of adults definitely think that teenagers shouldn’t trick or treat.” While some students find this idea to be discouraging, Sheng-Willaims continues by saying, “You’re only a kid once, so if people don’t want to give you candy because you’re too old, whatever. It’s not really about the candy, it’s about having fun.”

“I’m 18, and I feel like that’s a little excessive…I would say freshman year is pushing it, but honestly I don’t judge people for trick or treating because there are worse things you could be doing,” says Ayalon. Sheng-Williams agrees, mentioning “I think once I’m 17, that’ll be a bit too old to do it, but I think there is a little bit of unfairness with some people who still want to trick or treat.”

When asked about high schoolers trick or treating, freshman Slone Stemerman says, “People definitely think it’s weird.” Stemerman attributes this negative attitude to the thought that going door to door for candy is “usually for younger kids.” Stemerman won’t be continuing her trick or treating days as a freshman but argues that she feels that everyone should be able to go, no matter their age.

While Stemerman feels that there’s a stigma from “both parents and kids [her age],” it’s clear that students don’t believe that there’s a “perfect age” to stop doing what you love.

Regardless of age, students are most definitely going to be enjoying themselves this Halloween. Whether it’s hanging out with friends or taking on the streets of Lamorinda for free candy, it’s certain to be a memorable holiday hopefully without the sweet-tooth stigma.