For years we did little for Halloween. It wasn’t so much about its ancient Celtic origin, but rather because we lived on a rather large plot of land nestled between multiple housing developments amid a golf community; kids simply did not come to our house.
When moving South and into an actual neighborhood, no less, it was immediately evident that the evening of October 31st was a community event. There’s just something about community that is so obviously good and right and true.
And so we made the decision — having spent close to nil on the observance in years past — to be that house. Yes, the house with the regular, full-size candy bars.
This year we offered M&M’s, Reese’s, Reese’s Oreos, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids and Swedish Fish with various drinks available, too, for kids and adults. Several dear friends came and joined in the fun, and the nine of us sat out on the front porch, handing out some 500 bars to the ardent trick-or-treaters.
The response was absolutely delightful.
“Look!” One would yell. “I told you they had big candy bars!”
“You’re the G.O.A.T.!” squealed another adolescent. “Best house in the neighborhood!”
Oh, the kids were kind. The teens, too. I’m sure there are many who adopt a similar practice. There are also places in the hood where the number of candy collectors is in the thousands.
But such got me thinking about the why behind the response…
All we did was hand out a little bigger bar to the kids and offer treats to the adults. It was an unexpected act of generosity.
Let me be clear; there’s a difference between being generous and being charitable. While the words are often used interchangeably, “charitable” implies giving to the needy, whereas “generous” is a broader term for being liberal in giving or sharing.
But generosity is a deliberate act of kindness. It’s an expression of value. And it’s giving someone something without expectation of anything in return.
Sure, we knew several of the masked little monsters who made their way up the short walkway. Several adult friends also sauntered by. But the clear majority of the candy seekers were people we did not know; they were strangers. The small, generous gesture was not based on any existent relationship.
As the costume-clad kid traffic dwindled and the evening came to a close, those of us on the porch sat and reflected on what a wonderful evening it was. What did we observe and conclude in a most tremendous night of people watching? …
… the Skittles went fast…
… the recently released Reese’s Oreo Cup was a surprise hit — especially with the adults…
… water is so often welcomed…
… the family all dressed up as the cast, celebrating the 10 year anniversary of “Hamilton,” was ingenious…
And most of all, generosity is meaningful.
Generosity doesn’t have to be a lot; the amount matters less than the intention.
But generosity makes people feel seen, appreciated and important.
Generosity is a most beautiful thing.
Respectfully…
AR