October is here which means one thing and one thing only — it’s time for Halloween. Many people celebrate the spooky season for the whole month, decorating their homes and preparing their kids for the fun that comes with trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Although this year may feel a little different, many families are still trying to make this holiday as memorable as can be for their kids.
Trick-or-treating is one tradition that everyone knows and loves.
For years, families have gone around their neighborhood door-to-door, ringing bells, and hoping that they can get some of the best candy on the market. Little kids live for this time!
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The best part for adults, of course, is stealing our kids’ candy.
If you’re a parent or an older sibling who has chaperoned trick-or-treating, you know that there’s nothing better than going through your kids’ bags after they go to sleep. Adults need treats, too!
While the tradition is one that never seems to die, there are some cautions that parents need to take.
This year is a year where every parent is trying to be careful as COVID-19 is still a tremendous concern for many individuals. For this particular year, people are putting out “purple pumpkins” to showcase that their home is “safe” for trick-or-treating.
The purple pumpkins are a great idea, but, it’s not the first time people have used colored pumpkins for Halloween.
People have also used blue and teal pumpkins on Halloween for various reasons and meanings. In fact, it’s been something that people have done in their neighborhoods for years.
Blue pumpkins have a very special meaning.
Homes that sport blue pumpkins are homes that are friendly and understanding to trick-or-treaters who are on the autism spectrum. Individuals on the spectrum might have difficulties with social interactions, so homes with blue pumpkins are “safe” and understanding.
Trick-or-treaters on the spectrum might become overwhelmed by Halloween decorations with bright lights and loud noises.
Blue pumpkins are an easy way to show trick-or-treaters who might be sensitive to these stimuli that these homes are safe.
Some children on the spectrum are also non-verbal or have speech impairments.
They might not be able to say “trick or treat” or “thank you,” so the blue pumpkins also help spread awareness and remind people to be understanding.
People use teal pumpkins on Halloween, too.
Teal pumpkins are used at people’s homes to showcase that they are an “allergy-free” location. Many kids are allergic to things such as nuts and other food additives. So, homes with teal pumpkins avoid these altogether and may offer a non-food treat, like stickers, instead.
After seeing how popular these colorful pumpkins have become, Target has begun selling them in stores.
Target is offering some trick-or-treating baskets for individuals who need blue or teal pumpkin accommodations. And, people are absolutely loving the fact that they are being so socially conscious.
They even explain what each pumpkin is used to represent.
Target clearly lets their shoppers know that the teal pumpkin is used for individuals with allergies (no Reese’s for them!) and the blue pumpkin is for those who are on the autism spectrum.
Many parents have been praising the store for helping to spread autism and allergy awareness.
“… I am incredibly excited to share a little extra autism awareness during this time. Thank you @target for always being aware of others,” wrote Instagram user @annaleisortiz in a post accompanied by a photo of Target’s blue pumpkin pail.
Online, people are happy to see Target promoting these inclusive traditions.
Shoppers are happy to see that the pumpkins are back in stock and that the store has a whole section devoted to The Teal Pumpkin Project.
The Teal Pumpkin Project started in 2012.
The project was founded by mom Becky Basalone, who wanted to create awareness about food allergies on Halloween.
Eight years later, it’s amazing to see big retailers like Target supporting this tradition.
We love to see companies who are inclusive for everyone!
Whether or not you decide to take your kids trick-or-treating this year, it’s nice to see that big name companies are interested in being inclusive for everyone. Way to go, Target!
