PORTLAND, Ore. - Halloween is all about “getting.” Getting a costume, getting some candy, getting a sugar buzz, getting a sugar low, getting sent to Time Out.

I say it’s time to turn the table around and make part of the holiday about giving. You can still have the usual running around town and begging for candy routine. But how about trying something new this season?

When our family moved across the country last fall, we were looking for ways to meet the neighbors. Halloween was right around the corner, so we decided to do a spin-off of the tradition and called it, “Reverse Trick-or-Treating.” Our whole family walked up and down the street, knocked on doors and introduced ourselves. Once the neighbors got past the fact that we weren’t selling them something - but giving them candy instead – it started not only a conversation but a relationship.

Why go reverse trick-or-treating?

To build a stronger community: Getting to know the people on your street is good for you - and good for them. You can watch out for each other, help each other and simply kick back and enjoy each other.

To get one more use out of the Halloween costumes: Kids delight at playing “dress-up” and the craziness of it all provides an easy conversation starter with people you don’t know.

To experience the joy of giving: In the days of a tough economy, generosity is becoming a lost art. Surprise the neighbors with a gift, and teach your kids that it truly is “more blessed to give than to receive.”

What can I hand out?

Unless you know your neighbors well and are handy with the baked goods, I recommend staying away from giving out something homemade. Remember: You want the treats to be enjoyed and your neighbors to look forward to your coming. So what are some good things to give out?

Candy: It’s on sale this time of year, and you can’t go wrong with chocolate. My advice? Choose something that you’d want to eat—not necessarily the cheapest bag on the shelf. Also, keep in mind that many people are diabetic or trying to lose weight—so having an alternative shows consideration.

Crafts: This is where you can put the kids to work. It’s hard for people to resist a scribbled page colored “just for them” or a unique piece of “art.” Again—it’s a way to start conversation.
Halloween coloring pages
Halloween crafts

Cards: It’s up to you how much of your contact information you want to include, but handing out a small “card” helps the neighbors remember a little something about you too. If poems are your thing, here’s one we wrote for our treats:

"We’re your neighbors just down the street
Just stopped by to trick-or-treat.
There’s no trick—the treat’s for you,
Our little way of saying “Hellooo!”

Clever sayings: Attach to a variety of gifts:

• Soda: We're "soda-lighted" to meet you!
• Popcorn: We just “popped” by to say “Happy Halloween!”
• Almond Joy: It’s a JOY to have you as a neighbor!
• Nestle Crunch: If you’re ever in a CRUNCH, feel free to call!
• Ice Breaker Mints: We wanted to break the ice and meet you!

When should I go reverse trick-or-treating?

Anytime that works with your schedule is a good time. But here are some things to keep in mind:

• Going before Halloween has the element of surprise and gets the neighborhood in the mood for the holiday.
• Going during daylight hours is not only safer but warmer.
• Going on a Saturday or Sunday raises the likelihood that the neighbors will be home.

This Halloween season, take some time to get to know your neighbors. You’ll be glad you did! 

In her day job, Lisa Smith attempts to transform her three children from super-charged emotion-bombs into contributing members of society. And in her "free time," roughly 11:00-11:30 p.m., she saves the world (i.e. “writes”) via her website at www.stretchmarkmama.com.

Lisa's husband, Nathan Smith, is the photographer who provided the photos for this story.  You can find out more about his work at www.crossmarkdesign.com.