Much treat and little trick

On this dark, late afternoon excited children and watchful parents are carrying out another ritual to mark the cycle of the year. Households arrange sweets in a bowl by the door, indicate their willingness to be visited, and wait for the knock. In a brief flurry of fumbling hands and faux-fear we engage with our neighbours once again. We tell the children how fabulous they look in their costumes, and share a silent exchange of trust with their parents. No tricking, just treats - yet another way to be part of our community.