Halloween doesn’t exist in all countries around the world. Here in the U.S., it’s a pretty great day for children. Here’s me heading out to trick or treat in elementary school:

Today, young people still have a blast dressing up, and our school’s Fall Festival was a hit today. I twisted A LOT of balloons. This year, several students pitched in to create a costume for Tofu San Jr. (and he even has a pet cat now):

If you are enjoying Halloween today, consider these three methods of showing your global citizenship:

1. Try some global candies that you’ve never had before!

I’m still going through my caramels and Starburst-y chewy candies that I got in Japan last summer. Delicious!

Note the bottom ones that are made from salmon. What’s with the Japanese and their dinner-flavored candy?! After looking at this, do you want to see some other global candies? Check out this post on Trick or Treating the Global Citizen Way.

2. Avoid giving out chocolate and other candy from companies that use child slavery.

This article explains the current situation with children in West Africa getting exploited by chocolate companies like Nestle, Hershey, and Mars. Look for candy that doesn’t support harmful practices, or consider giving out non-edible treats, like stickers, pencils, and spider rings. If you do this, you’ll also be helping out kids with food allergies and you can join in on the teal pumkin movement. Cool!

3. Educate your friends about culturally insensitive costumes. 

Sometimes people don’t realize that a costume that mimics someone else’s culture can be very painful to others. When you see someone wearing a costume that makes fun of someone else’s culture, say something. It’ll make a difference if people around the country start speaking up.

On that note, I think I’ll go figure out what to wear tonight. If only I had bought the these glasses or fake tears in Japan!

If you STILL need to get into the Halloween spirit, check out my niece in her Octopus costume, which she tested out last night.

Kids usually do a pretty magical job getting adults into the Halloween spirit. She’s not even 3 yet, but she already gets it.

Have fun tonight!