By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
Friday, Oct. 31 was Halloween and the college celebrated the holiday in many different ways including providing treats in spaces around campus, allowing students to wear costumes in some classes, and making Halloween-themed foods in Wege.
A question that often arises as many students on campus are nearing their twenties or have already crossed the threshold is: when is a person too old to go trick-or-treating?
Some people think there is no such limit and that the holiday is one that can be enjoyed at any age.
“You’re never too old,” junior Savanah Hammock said. “I am a butterfly this year. Butterflies give me a sense of peace and so I wanted to be one this year.” Hammock thought that Halloween is a fun holiday, and that fun should not stop as you get older. She finds happiness in finding and assembling a costume each year, and it is a tradition she does not want to let go of just yet.
Junior Savanah Hammock in her butterfly costume – Photo by Gionna Bean
Other students believe that there is an age cut-off, but that it does not come until after the twenties.
“I think people should stop trick-or-treating at 35,” freshman Milly Aguila said. “By that time, you’re an adult and you look like it, so it’d be creepy to go up to each door asking for candy.”
“Maybe like 21,” freshman Nevaeh Porter said. “I don’t know, you know, it’s not that deep. When you go out trick-or-treating, it’s a time to be with friends and get free candy.” Porter explained that as long as young adults are respectful when trick-or-treating and don’t take the fun away from the children, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to celebrate Halloween by going door-to-door for candy.
Aquinas hosted several events directly targeted at students trick-or-treating, such as Senate’s trunk-or-treat the week before Halloween, and various departments passing out candy all over campus day of. One team, Women’s Swim and Dive even went trick-or-treating in East Grand Rapids together as one large group.
Flyers for trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treating on campus – Photo by Student Senate and Aquinas SAO
A post on Instagram by Ryan Primer depicts the TikTok live streamer holding a sign saying, “Halloween Reminder: Teens who go tick-or-treating are choosing to be kid over getting in trouble! Let ‘em have some candy!” The argument over when people should stop trick-or-treating is based on societal standards and personal preference, but it has to be said that those choosing to participate in the tradition later in their lives often are not causing many problems.
There are people who believe that Halloween is strictly for kids.
“17 max,” freshman Demetrius Baxter Jr said. “Sure you can still celebrate and go to parties, but at some point you have to admit you really are just too old for getting candy.”
Junior Noah Momber explained that if people trick-or-treat past a certain age, they start to look immature in his opinion. “15 at the oldest,” Momber said.
Overall, opinions about the appropriate age to stop trick-or-treating vary widely among students, reflecting differences in personal values and perceptions of the holiday. For some, Halloween remains a lighthearted and creative outlet that can be enjoyed well into adulthood, while others view trick-or-treating as a tradition best left to children. Ultimately, whether someone continues to participate depends on individual choice, community norms, and the spirit in which they celebrate the holiday.
The Saint 