I have lived in New York City for 10 years; I have been a regular visitor here even longer. And I’m not an idiot. But just like so many other things about the great metropolis, Halloween in New York City is not the same as it is everywhere else. As I was out this year there were four things I never noticed about Halloween in New York City this year which make it distinct from Halloween other places I’ve lived.
Kids Go Out Much Earlier: Having grown up in the suburbs, Halloween always started after school, after homework, after a quick early dinner; but usually always at the earliest at 4:30 or 5:00pm. Not in New York City though; these kids start Halloween as soon as they wake up. I was out early today (7:45am) and I saw kids dressed up in costume almost immediately. I’d say the activity crescendoed around 3pm as there were so many kids and parents out then.
Kids Going Out Are Really Young: The kids who I saw trick-or-treating were young; like really young. 5 years old and younger; I’d have to say. This fact of there only being young kids out trick-or-treating stands up well with the stigma that kids in New York City have to grow up faster. All the older kids were either studying for their SAT’s or getting into other kinds of adult trouble.
All the Girls Are Princesses: This was just an observation around town where I was but it felt like all the little girls were some type of princess or queen. Many of the boys were just dressed up in what appeared to be some kind of a pajama (Spiderman, Superman, etc…) with some kind of a wand or staff. As a child in the suburbs I seem to remember there being a lot more time and effort put into our costumes. Then again what does having the best kind of Halloween costume get you anyway?
Businesses are Responsible for Halloween Treats: Here’s another one that I thought was pretty interesting. Kids in New York City go around to the local businesses to get their treats. Maybe that is why I never noticed kids out for Halloween before in New York City; how can kids go door to door when the buildings require you to be buzzed up?
Halloween is a spooky time of year which kids all over should be able to enjoy. Happy Halloween everyone!