As Halloween comes around, children near and far are picking out their costumes and getting ready for the age-old tradition of trick-or-treating. It would seem nothing can stop a happy child from going out around their neighborhood to get free candy, even if a blizzard or hurricane comes knocking.

Many people have fond memories of trick-or-treating with their friends and siblings throughout the years, as it is a happy celebration of a spooky but entertaining holiday.

However, there is one gray area when it comes to the spectacle: when is it no longer appropriate to go trick-or-treating? It is often implied by people that once someone is of high school age, they should stop trick-or-treating. There are special cases when this may not apply though.

Many students create their own “neighborhood” to trick-or-treat in as they walk around their dorm hallways, knocking on their fellow residents’ doors for candy. Some may even dare to venture out to the houses around their campus.

Then, on the other hand, there are the people who go trick or treating with their kids or siblings. Some people may still be in their twenties and decide to go trick or treating with their younger siblings, or may have no choice but to go because of their parents.

Personally, I think it really is situational. I am planning on trick-or-treating around my dorm come Saturday, but I would not do that if I was in my regular neighborhood. Once somebody is over 16, that is probably the best time to stop trick or treating, unless there is a special condition involving siblings or children.

I stopped when I was 15, but both my sisters continue to trick or treat to this day though, one of them being 17 already. I wish I didn’t stop at that point though, because trick or treating is something that you deserve to experience until you’re ready to give it up. However, anyone older then 24 who still trick or treats without a child in company needs to stop, as that is when it becomes creepy.

As with all topics relating to traditions though, it depends on each individual area. Every neighborhood is different with its rules about trick or treating, such as what happens if there is bad weather Halloween night, or what time residents will start to hand out candy. While some neighborhoods may allow older children to continue trick or treating even into their college years, others may not be so welcoming of those trying to act childish.

At the end of the day though, it can be enjoyed whether spectating the event or directly participating in it.