Reply #20: I think there is some logic to the rule

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

As far as I can recall, 12 and under is elementary school age - younger children, which is the traditional Trick or Treat age. 13 and above is jr high and high school. Littler kids are the ones most people are buying the candy for. Older kids would probably have more fun in some kind of Halloween Party setting. They're a little old to be pretending to be priates and princesses

I personally recall my last Halloween putting out candy. First of all, it seemed to be a sad and worthless occasion anyway. Very few kids, ending with a late doorbell ring 8:30 ish and I opened the door to 2 teenaged boys with pillowcases and no effort whatsoever at any costume who just wordlessly held out their pillowcases for the loot. I gave them what I had left as I was happy to be rid of it, and off they schlumped. I closed the door and thought "No more of that." Our neighborhood is older and the houses are far apart, I've been told it not a prime trick or treating area and that's why we got so few kids.

On the other hand, I have a friend who lives in a squashed McMansion community which is prized for the good lighting, close housing, and sidewalks - so families from all over the place actually drive over there to let out their hordes. My friends spends an absolutely amazing amount on candy and is getting pissed off about the whole situation, and yet she doesn't want to be one of the very few with the lights off.