A New Custom
Halloween holds significant importance in the United States, but it may not have the same level of prominence elsewhere in the world. For newcomers to the U.S., the concept of trick-or-treating can be quite perplexing. Understandably so, as the idea of children approaching strangers’ homes to request candy is indeed unconventional. In many cultures, such an activity might raise concerns about safety and stranger danger, which can make the American Halloween tradition seem both unusual and risky. For immigrants and their families, adapting to this unique Halloween custom can be both a challenge and a learning experience, but it often becomes a cultural bridge connecting them with American customs and traditions as they gradually embrace the quirkiness of this beloved holiday.
In this story, a newcomer to the neighborhood is entirely unfamiliar with Halloween. The storyteller happened to be the first trick-or-treater of the night, which left the new neighbor utterly bewildered. Nonetheless, they displayed flexibility and resourcefulness, as they didn’t possess any candy but offered a potato instead. It seems they improvised quite well under the circumstances!