“Aren’t you a little old to trick or treat?” That’s the question that I, and countless other eighth graders, have been asked nonstop since the beginning of fall. Teachers, parents, younger kids, older kids, they all ask us this question with slightly disapproving looks in their eyes. And truth be told, none of us know the answer to that question.
Out of 20 eighth graders asked, 11 said that 13 was a good age to stop trick or treating. The other nine all had similar answers. Grace Katz, eighth grade, said “Never!” Many others, including myself, agree. I’ve been ready for this year’s Halloween since last Halloween. I’ve been planning my costume since the summer. My room is already covered in Halloween decorations, and I’ve listened to the soundtrack of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” about 20 times this month. I’m ready for Halloween. My friends are ready for Halloween. And yet our enthusiasm is met with skeptical looks and rolled eyes.

It’s scary to be told that you’re too old for something, especially such an important part of my year. It implies that you’re, well, old. I was caught off guard the first time someone suggested I was too old for Halloween. The idea hadn’t crossed my mind, and then suddenly it was all I could think about. For a while, I felt a bit foolish getting so excited over the holiday. For a while, I questioned even going out on Halloween.
I talked to my friends about it. Many of them were surprised that I was having second thoughts on trick or treating. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love Halloween. So not going would be extremely out of character for me. But so many people thought I was too old to go, and it was starting to seem childish.

But that phase didn’t last long. As the season changed, I fell back in love with Halloween. And I realized the truth.

The truth is, as you get older, you will feel a little foolish every once in awhile. People will tell you that you’re too old or too big, and that’s scary. Society tells us to enjoy our childhoods one second, and the next tells us we’re immature. Embrace your childhood. Embrace the things you love. Dress up for Halloween. Go to the Monster Mash, even if you’re in eighth grade. Eat candy and ring doorbells and watch Halloween specials on TV. Don’t doubt yourself, and don’t look back. Even if you’re a foot taller than all the other trick or treaters, don’t worry. Have fun and enjoy your night. Don’t let anyone take Halloween from you. Even if you think that you’re too old or too cool, embrace these last few years of trick or treating, because you’ll regret it if you don’t.