Why does everyone around here do ToT so early these days?

[Anonymous]

I got home at about 6 (knowing the kids in my neighborhood were gathering for photos at 6:15 and would start ringing my bell by 6:30) and drove by several groups kids already out by 5:30.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We used to live near a school and would usually get a few kids trying their luck on the way home, so yeah in the 4 o'clock hour. I'd always tell them to go home and put on their costume and come back. I agree that 6 is generally the norm, which means some people start at 5. As long as I'm ready, I don't care. And if I'm not ready, I don't answer the door.

Be grateful you're in this area--some places go much earlier, like days in advance, is the 31st is on a weekday.

+1 This. Elementary schools had trunk or treat on campus after school, kids wore costumes to school, kids hit that and then hit the houses that looked like they were participating on the way home (which by OP's account, it probably looked like she was ready for kids from the sidewalk). Then they ate dinner, met up with friends and did the real trick or treating, from 6-8ish.

[Anonymous]

our city posts suggested hours which were 630-830 and most abided by it. we were out from 645-8. cold but bearable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn’t have anyone until it was dark, as it should be.

+1 We had kids start coming at 6:30. My kid went out at 7.

[Anonymous]

6 is normal boo where you at

[Anonymous]

4 is crazy unless it's a toddler and their parents know you and arranged it in advance. Everyone is still driving home!

Where we live, the sun goes down right around 6 and no one goes out unless it's dusk. My DD did start around 5:45 to see our nearby neighbors before she met a group of girls to go to other streets.

[Anonymous]

In my neighborhood it started at 5, which I think is way too early. ToT is meant to be done in the dark. It's become much more of a parentally-managed circus than it used to be, as is true for all things child-related. Everything has to be arranged in advance and carefully curated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In my neighborhood it started at 5, which I think is way too early. ToT is meant to be done in the dark. It's become much more of a parentally-managed circus than it used to be, as is true for all things child-related. Everything has to be arranged in advance and carefully curated

+1

[Anonymous]

Our first was 6:15. And I was surprised we didn’t have any after about 8. I guess my neighborhood skews young.

[Anonymous]

Way too early! We aren't ready to receive ToTers until 6ish. Before that we are getting home from work, eating dinner, and putting on costumes.

[Anonymous]

Kids came so early this year. I attribute it to many parents working from home and being available earlier.

[Anonymous]

Most people start at dusk, OP. Otherwise it's not the proper spirit.

But maybe your knocks were from very little ToTers who go to bed earlier?