Spirits lift during post-lockdown trick or treat

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From the moment Sarah Krambousanos saw her children join their mates to trick or treat on Sunday, she saw their spirits lift.

Ms Krambousanos and her kids were part of a nine-child, five-parent group in the Moonee Ponds area who dressed up in scary costumes and took part in the Halloween tradition under COVID-safe conditions.

Children pose for a photo before going on a trick or treat walk in Moonee Ponds on Sunday.Credit:Luis Ascui

“It’s all about being with their friends right now and connections with friends,” Ms Krambousanos said while walking with the group.

“I have seen a massive shift immediately. Their spirits have just lifted. It’s so lovely.”

Households that were offering lollies and chocolates were asked to make sure they were only offering individually wrapped treats. They were also told not to hand the treats out directly, and to instead use a collection bowl or utensils like tongs to distribute them.

Ms Krambousanos said her children were new to trick or treating but embraced the chance to have a walk in the sunshine with their friends after months of Melbourne lockdown.

Frightful: Trick or treaters in Moonee Ponds.Credit:Luis Ascui

“It’s something that is growing by the year. We never used to [do it] but now that our children are getting older, they’re starting to get into it more,” Ms Krambousanos said while walking with the group.

“It’s a great atmosphere, people are walking around and happy. Everyone either has their bowls out with all the lollies in them or if there is an adult on the door, they are handing them out with tongs.”

Ms Krambousanos said instructions from health officials which were shared among parent and school groups on social media had made her comfortable in allowing her children to take part.

“Everyone does it in such a safe and sensible way – I knew it would be fine,” Ms Krambousanos said.

“They were pretty clear with what they said. They had put out things on the Facebook groups and I think everyone understood what you needed to do.”

With the sun shining and their friends around, she said the children weren’t hitting their sweets too hard.

“The kids are very, very happy,” she said. “They are pacing themselves. There are some big smiles.”

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