I grew up trick-or-treating in New York City. I fear for our civilization. Where is the electric spark of greed, the thrilling desire to get away with something?

Frida Ghitis grew up trick-or-treating in New York City .

Ghitis: Halloween used to be about healthy greed. You had a hall pass to be naughty. Even mischief! No longer. These days , trick or treating seems to be infected by the same strain of overparenting the Atlantic and the New York Times write about weekly . Ghitis asks: Where is the electric spark of greed?.

This year , I am going to let my son trick-or-treat alone with his friends.

I will try, with all my might, to walk at least a block behind my daughter. This is my solemn vow. I will force the syrupy phrase, What do you say?” to die in my throat..