Halloween is a favorite holiday of Americans because for one day we get to pretend we are something we’re not whether it be a princess, a superhero or a bloodsucking monster. Through the years we remember our best costumes, most terrifying tricks and even the house in the neighborhood that gave raisins or the dreaded travel toothbrush.

 Slasher films and urban legends have altered our perception of what the day and night should be — a chance to stay up late, watch Fear Fest on AMC and eat lots and lots of candy.

 Around Halloween last year, a dismembered body was found in the woods of southwestern Newton County, but no trick-or-treating children where eaten by werewolves and or swallowed by a haunted house.

 Yes — real ghouls and goblins exist, but if you walk with your child to trick-or-treat or know where your teen will be and set a curfew, the worst injury they will likely end up with is an upset stomach from overindulging in sweets.

 We remember how fun going from door to door was, and really, we can’t think of a single instance when one of our friends left school on Halloween to trick-or-treat and didn’t come back the next day.

 To avoid ending up on our front page for the wrong reason after Halloween here are a few simple tips: don’t drink and drive, supervise your younger children, lock up your black cats, make sure your teen has her cell phone on her and look out for your neighbors.

 On behalf of The Covington News, have a safe and happy Halloween.