Halloween (All Hallows' Even), originally a Celtic pagan harvest festival transformed by Christians
during the 8th & 9th century by moving traditional Christian feast
of All Saints' Day from May 13th to November 1st, and since the start
of day was marked at sunset at that time, October 31st and November 1st
became a 1 day celebration event. (source: WIKIPEDIA)
Well,
after my previous silent regrets, I finally got the audacity to use this
celebration of America to give out Gospel tracts to children.
I had thought of this perhaps a couple years ago, but was always seemed forgetful or lazy to do this.
Every
year, children in America will be dressing up like clowns or monsters
(mostly just clowns, especially for the younger ones) ringing household
door bells, walking around the city streets visiting stores with a
Jack-O-Lantern looking bucket, hoping to collect free candies.
I
remember hiding in my room twice (that means two years) when I heard the door bell ringing since I did not
have candy, and I knew they were no one other than the children. The first time I knew of this was not because I was familiar with Halloween practice in America, because I was not. Other than on TV shows, I had never seen this myself or perhaps missed this event somehow until I moved into the city. The first time I heard such doorbell ringing, the sound of children made me realized what was going on before I could answer the door. And it would appear that my landlord has always avoided them.
But I could never stand ignoring children, could I. So I went to the Christian book Store in Jamaica last night hoping to buy some sort of little Christian collectibles if I have to buy candies and zipper bags in grocery stores. Then I came across the Gospel Tracts on display which is so obviously meant for tonight. I prepared the whole thing last night after purchasing all necessary items. I bagged the gummy bears and marshmallows together separatedly from the rest since they don't come with individual wrappings. Perhaps I could get something more attractive (And get home earlier) next year since I wasn't quite prepared for this budget-wise (I've just remembered to do all these only yesterday). Even so, I believe I have made it eye soothing enough for the children as well as the parents who are tagging along (sometimes, especially if the children are a lot younger). I made 9 bags of them. I supposed other houses would probably have a whole single bowl of mixed candies, but I had to include my Gospel tracts, so this is the way I did it.
Unfortunately, as much as I tried to rush home from work early today, I got home around 7:40pm, which is rather late for Trick or Treat. After serving the first family with 3 children, my landlord told me that there were 2-3 doorbell rings before I got home.
Well, 3 is better than none. Perhaps more will show up today? Nah, it is now 9:27 pm already. If my memory serves me correctly, as I had observed, Trick or Treating in NYC starts from around 4pm - 7pm time frame.
Good thing I had only prepared 9 then. I was considering 25 since it was the total number of Gospel tracts in a single order, but as I was wrapping, the tedious work and the amount of candies I have made me reconsider.
I should also consider leaving the bags at the front acknowledging my landlord if I have trouble getting home early next time. Since now that he's heard from his mouse hole what happened at the door, he is a little excited and interested.
Click images to enlarge.
