“April Fools!” It’s so much fun to proclaim this, doubled over with laughter and pointing to the unfortunate victim. If you are that recipient, choking on a bite of a black pepper-flavored chocolate chip cookie or sitting on a Whoopi cushion, you may not be tickled. To add to your humiliation, you’re called a bad sport if you don’t laugh along with the tricksters.
My brother was born on April 1st, and can you imagine the disappointing birthdays he endured? I cringe when I recall the gifts we gave him as kids: a brick wrapped in splashy paper, a can of baked beans, or a box of gravel scraped from the driveway. (We were cheap and wouldn’t even spend our own money.) Oh, how we giggled as he opened his supposed gifts! Weren’t we clever and imaginative? He was a good sport, however, taking it in stride. Perhaps that’s why he’s a calm and unflappable man today. We owe him a decent gift after all those years of torment.
I propose a new twist on April Fool’s Day to assuage future victims and annoy the pranksters. How about a version of trick or treat? Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because there are more rewards than penalties. Chances are the house won’t be bombarded with smashed eggs and toilet paper if you toss candy into the bags of costumed Princesses and Spidermen. Plus, you get to keep the leftovers, and if you’re smart, you’ll hide a couple of Snickers or Reese’s Cups to eat when no one is looking.
When you see a joker headed your way with a devilish look on April 1st, beat him at his own game by offering some candy. He’ll have doubts about whether this is a trick or a treat. Is this nice person giving me a piece of chocolate, or is this Ex-Lax? (Yes, another ridiculous trick that juveniles think is hilarious and original.) He won’t dare take the bait, and you can laugh because it really is candy, and you’re really a nice person. More for you!
Now that my brother’s birthday is here, I’m overdue to give him a decent present. He deserves a box of goodies that I will actually buy with my own money. It will be the good stuff, and there won’t be any black pepper-flavored chocolate chip cookies.