Have you heard of “ghosting” or “boo-ing”? Apparently this is a growing custom in the United States and Britain. As far as I’ve seen, it hasn’t reached my neighborhood in Colorado. Yet. I’m thinking about starting it in my neighborhood but I have some concerns.
Being “boo-ed” is a fun way to spread Halloween excitement among neighbors. What you do is get two treat bags or boxes and fill them with Halloween candy, treats, or prizes like stickers and plastic pumpkins.
It’s important to include a cut out picture of a ghost or the word “Boo” in the package. This picture is for the recipient to display near their door to let other people know they’ve already been “boo-ed”. You also include a letter explaining that the recipient family should “boo” two other families. Explain in the letter the ghost or boo sign, too. People who do this tradition talk about what fun it is to see the signs spreading across the neighborhood.
To deliver the package, you hang it on their door knob or set it on their front porch, ring the door bell and run. I can see that part in particular appealing to my boys.
What do you think? Is security too much of a concern for this to be fun? Would you eat treats that showed up anonymously at your front door? Or would this tradition appeal to you as a fun, community thing? Would you think it was a hassle to make treat boxes for two other neighbors? Would it be less fun if it wasn’t anonymous? I know I’d feel better about treats if I knew where they came from, but it does seem to take some of the mystery and fun out of it.
I can see this catching on at offices or schools, too. I’d love to hear from those of you who “boo”.
Also See:
A Fun Christmas Idea for Moms
Frugal, Yet Festive Trick or Treat Bags
Frugal Candy Ideas for Halloween