Halloween traditions have shifted to the parking lot. Once a church-organized, safety-centered alternative to knocking on doors in the ’90s, trunk-or-treat events are now the go-to for many suburban families. Parents cite traffic, long walking distances, and safety as reasons for the shift. As one parent put it, “It’s safer, easier, and you see everyone you know in one spot.” They say the format also makes it easier to plan for allergies or accessibility needs, turning it into a more inclusive version of the holiday. On social media, parents now compete to out-decorate each other’s trunks, turning the swap into full-blown “Halloween tailgating.” For Gen Z and Millennial parents updating traditions for their own kids, it’s the perfect mix of convenience and community—and kids today experience a holiday that is organized, inclusive, and with less exploration as the norm. (Mental Floss)
👀 Read more from YPulse: YPulse Predicts: 3 Halloween Trends for 2025
