Halloween Open Letter To Western New York Parents

We know that you’re doing it because you care, but maybe you could care a little less? At least for Halloween. 

Since trick or treating first started back in the 16th century, it feels like parents have been making us bundle up and wear a coat over the costume, and I understand that it may be chilly and you want to prevent a cold – but parents, you already know that you’re putting a damper on the costume. 

There’s no way you don’t know that it does, because it’s almost guaranteed to be a generational flaw in every family – but you can prevent that this year! 

Looking ahead with optimism, if the weather stays the way it’s been for most of the month, you may be able to get away with not wearing a coat on Halloween. However in Buffalo, we know there’s always a chance of snow…but how likely is it on Halloween night?  And even if there is a chance of snow, should you let your kid get away without wearing a coat over the costume?

Just for the record – I love my mom and dad, but in your kid brain, it just always felt so lame to wear a coat over your Halloween costume. Like I understand that our parents care, and that’s really nice…but I felt like every year I had a coat over my costume, it was hiding the awesomeness of it.

Parents, let them wear the coat underneath their costume, ok?? It makes the world of difference and honestly, your kids may be less likely to fight you on wearing one. 

And if you’re the “cool parent” that lets your kid go coatless, just make a deal with them that they can’t complain about being cold or else Halloween ends early this year. 

Although most of October has been steady with temperatures, Halloween 2024 is expected to be one of the coldest Halloweens in nearly 50 years, so it may be a conversation you have to have with your kids. 

A massive arctic front is expected to move across Western New York the week of Halloween with temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s for trick-or-treating, so yes it could be cold, but don’t make your kid wear the coat over the costume.   

Snow is a different story, but if the evening is free from flakes, let them go trick-or-treating door to door without the coat. They can warm up in between houses or in the car on the ride to the next neighborhood.

Trick-or-treating only happens maybe 15 times for each person, so they only have so many opportunities to dress up and go out. Just let them have the coat off when they go up to houses and take pictures.