Trick-or-treating is definitely not for everyone who likes candy. It’s for kids.
Which is kind of funny considering that a hundred and fifty years later it was arguably the center of Popishness in the US.
I’m sorry, but if she came to my door by herself she wouldn’t be getting any candy. Kids go trick-or-treating, and adults either pass out the candy or go partying.
I’m all kinds of flabbergasted by this - firstly, how can a person grown enough to be a mod here have a mom only 3 years older than me?? I had the impression we were talking about an elderly person a little out of touch to think passing church cards out to kids would be ok.
Secondly, if a dressed up person comes to my place when I’m handing out candy I would give them candy - even if they’re alone. But not in costume, just coming around for free candy would get side-eye and maybe a pencil from my pen and pencil jar.
This. Don’t say a word to her about it. Let her pass them out. YOU … don’t.
Whoops, did I type 49? I meant 59, my mistake. Teach me to post when I’m tired.
I was going to say I didn’t have a problem with passing out the cards along with the candy (I’m not a believer, fwiw) but after I saw the nature of the movies, I’d say no. My spouse’s church sometimes has movie nights for kids, but they show things like “Minions.” Unsolicited offers for free churchy movies as Halloween treats, I’d say are a no-no.
I also think it’s very weird for a 59-year-old woman to go trick-or-treating by herself. Not that you can (or should) stop her, but you have every right to tell her you’re not handing out her church cards if she’s not around.
Is it possible she was joking about going TOT b/c she wants free candy? Or does she clearly understand it could be a funny, campy thing to do?
Neither. She seriously sees nothing wrong with it and is planning to do it because she likes candy.
Hunh. Based on your past experiences w/ her, how likely is she to follow through on potentially outlandish behavior?
I would assume she was mentally ill. Or possibly the resident of a group home for adults with significant intellectual disabilities that had slipped away from caregiver supervision.
I barely have patience for trick-or-treating high schoolers, though I will give candy if they made a real effort at a costume. (I will also offer to un-costumed teens obviously babysitting younger siblings) A 59-year-old woman? No. It’s not appropriate.
Is she going to at least wear a costume?
…I read “Little Women,” and now I feel kinda funny…
I’m gonna say NBD on passing out cards with candy, and a giant WTF to a 59 year old woman going trick-or-treating.
If she was dressed up in a costume, I’d laugh and give her a high-five before putting candy in her bag.
But if she strolled up in street clothes, I wouldn’t even open the door.
I like your mom. I’d give her candy. I tell you what I give candy to everyone who comes and is in good spirits. Including high school football players that are 6’4". You are only young once.
With regards to your mom, she either doesn’t care what other people think, she’s crazy, or she’s just having a good time on a holiday. Either way I see nothing wrong with that.
Setting aside the absurdity-yet-grudging-admiration for a 59 year old woman going out alone trick-or-treating, and getting back to the Jesus cards…
I suspect that if your mom came trick or treating to my house and I included a card inviting her to my Samhain Witches’ Circle and movie double feature of Practical Magic and The Craft, with a nice pentacle in white on black near the bottom, she would be less than enthused.
But I’m not entirely certain, because she sounds like a total hoot, and if she wants to show up, she’d be very welcome to share our candy. There will also be booze, for sure.
Still, for most people, it would be unwelcome, especially if I gave out Witchy cards directly to children without asking their parents first.
It can sometimes be hard to recognize the pervasive pushiness of Christian culture when you’re in the middle of it all the time, but that’s when it might help to think, “How would I feel about this if it was a Satanist or Witch doing it?” Goose, gander, and all.
Already been adressed.
Conclusion: Not a Christian? Shut up and don’t make waves.
QFT.
So, how would you guys feel about Amway flyers being dropped into the bag along with candy? Or “Hey kids, give this flyer to Mom and Dad and I can help them plan for college. Your neighbor, Edward Jones salesperson?”
And as for a 59 year old woman Trick or Treating because she likes candy - I have issues when the teenagers show up. At 59 the way to get candy is to go to Target and buy it. Even the parents of the little kids, who have to stand outside on cold Minnesota fall nights and go door to door with their little ones don’t hold out their own pillowcases (some of the teen moms do).