A trick or treat alternative

Costumes. Yes. Candy. Yes.

Giving back at this time of the year.

What?

Think about it. In the tradition of a child at the door with a bag open to receive, it’s possible to do the reverse. The child (or adult) can give something back.

Surprise!

Or maybe it is not all that surprising. Think about it some more. Who doesn’t want to give back, promote a spirit of generosity, or simply find an unexpected, face-to-face way to care?

When we consider news that is hard hitting from events around the world, to our nation and even our neighborhoods, and that’s not yet considering those a few houses down who are going through a difficult or challenging time, it makes sense. A trick or treat alternative is something to consider.

All it takes is the idea that October 31^st is a way to give, or to give back. Instead of standing at a front door with hands out to receive a treat, what a gift it could be to hand someone a treat, a wish, a thoughtful moment, or yes, even candy.

Recently I heard a story of a fellow Mountain View alumni who did something some find surprising. This sweetheart from the class of 1982 asked her then partner to marry her. Yes. She proposed. The twosome had been together for two years at the time, and, with a shrug, she confessed, “I just knew.”

So, she asked him.

The initiator had practical reasons (as well as romantic ones) to ask her now husband of seven years to marry her.

These times are new. These times are also changing—even challenging. Perhaps it’s time for you, your children, your people, and/or your circle of friends to realize Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is setting upon us. Stresses in culture, relationships, inflation (particularly as it’s experienced at the grocery store), and what some consider as a lack of community these days has become a mainstay, unfortunately.

But that can change. Giving rather than getting holds an appeal.

Across denominational lines, Christians can join and realize what the faith has instilled, and that’s loving, sharing, and connecting with others—all others.

Those who love their candy bars and other sugar-loaded treats should still get their candy bars and other sugar-loaded treats at this time of the year—oh, yes—but calling out “Christian Treat” rather than “Trick or Treat” may make sense. Keep the costume. Share the sugar, flowers, or other simple gifts like a dinner to someone who is grieving, or a hand delivered card to someone going through a difficult time.

Christian Treat has no specifics. Just give.

October 31^st or thereabouts doesn’t have to be specific, rote, or the same old ya-ya-ya. Just give.

Both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day started locally from two individuals at two different times who simply cared. Neither the May national holiday nor the June national holiday instantly landed their places on our national calendars. The idea to honor moms and dads started from love and thoughtfulness. Of course, some observe these two Sundays significantly and purposefully. Some don’t.

But a neighbor near or far could benefit from hearing from you as the end of October comes closer. A trick or treat alternative may be something you’ll want to consider.