In a Halloween-themed e-newsletter to our subscribers, we asked readers what they would suggest as alternative approaches to the trappings of junk candies, greasy chips, and cheap chocolate bars. Here are some of the responses:
Dear Gifford-Jones, how about crayons, colouring books, word search, jacks?
Sincerely, always excited when the dentist up the road gave me a brand new shiny toothbrush.
-- a reader
When my son was young the doctor had warned us about a peanut allergy. Since my son would be going with the other kids that night, I worried that he might be tempted to eat some peanuts–so before he left, I told him that I would give him a penny for every peanut that he brought home. He thought that that was a Great deal, then he could use the money to buy whatever he liked.
-- a reader
Dear Gifford-Jones,
There is a community in the interior of BC that holds a Halloween party for their children in the community centre.
In my youth in Winnipeg the children did not use the American “Trick or Treat” holler…we said “Halloween Apples!” and received more apples than candy if I recall correctly, some did have a caramel or similar coating. Balls of popcorn covered in cellophane were also given out.
I celebrate my 87th birthday on Halloween this year!
-- a reader on an island in the Pacific
I agree with everything you have said in this article. It used to be that kids only got candy on few occasions…but now, it is pretty much a daily thing. So, having a big greedy collection of excessive amounts on Halloween is not good. You have some very good ideas about teaching children about better choices. Thank you for your newsletter. Valuable information.
-- a reader
Dear Gifford-Jones, one good substitute for candy would be those small boxes of raisins, better than candy right? Thanks for all the good medical advice.
-- a reader
One reader wrote raisins are better than candy….not so!! from a dental health professional…. raisins are extremely bad for our teeth! They are very high in sugar and stick to teeth therefore play a role in tooth decay! I advise my patients no raisins unless you are home and can brush right after eating them.
-- a response to the comment above
Dear Gifford-Jones, since Halloween usually comes on a cold and rainy day, it would good for the schools to organize a big get together in the cafeteria/gym. Get parents to bring home made food using the wonderful pumpkins. Costumes should be home made because the once made with dangerous chemicals are even expensive and cause children and their parents a lot of stress. There should be some good games but not the ones on their iPhones and play them with parents, siblings and friends.
-- a reader
Dear Gifford-Jones, The best Halloween trick I’ve heard about is to buy a ferrero rocher 3 pack. Unroll each or just maybe one? Whichever you choose. Once you unroll them, insert a brussel sprout and reroll the ferrero rocher as new and place back into the package making it appear unopened. All that drooling will disappear immediately but you can imagine the look on the receiver’s face on hallow’s eve. tee hee hee
