The evening when families are going door-to-door to “Trick or Treat” would seem like a logical time to up your “neighboring” game.

The “trick” is how?

Unfortunately, if your goal is to get to know the kids in your neighborhood better, Halloween might not be the best time. On Halloween, the kids have just one goal: get your candy and head to the next house to get theirs. (I know because that was my clear goal when I was a kid.) You might want to take a moment to chat and get to know them better, but they’re itching to be on their way!

However, what if you re-aim your goal from the children and families streaming by to the neighbors who live on either side of you? While you certainly want to provide a friendly presence to those stopping in for 60 seconds as they “Trick or Treat,” the real opportunity is with your immediate neighbors.

Here’s what I mean.

In the next day or two, go to your neighbors on your left and right and make this suggestions: What if we sit together in the driveway handing out our treats? We could do it separately from our own doorways, or we could hangout together for a couple hours and have fun with the “Trick or Treaters.” What do you think?

You could provide hot cider (or something stronger), snacks, and even have a fire in a fire pit. And, of course, plenty of the best candy for the “Trick or Treaters.” (Take if from a former kid, don’t be the house with the rep for giving out cheap candy.)

This simple strategy gives you unhurried time with your two closest neighbors and plenty of entertainment!

Share some snacks, share some laughs, and build some friendships. It’s simple and it works!