Trick or Treat?

zebramolli

lexuslass wrote: »

I never used to agree with trick or treating for that reason!

We live in a fantastic village , and if you haven't got a pumpkin or decorations up, then you aren't bothered with trick or treaters! It's all very organised and parents are with the kids!

The children that come are all kids we know from the village.. it's a bit of fun and a laugh! I reckon we have had about 60 this evening, but we decorated our house and we expected that! And I have to say every single one of them had impeccable manners!

I can fully appreciate that it isn't like this in many other areas tho!

Similar situation here lexuslass, small village where people who want to participate go the the whole hog with decorations. I think it is far easier in a small community where people know each other I can appreciate that people don't like to be disturbed and if they had no decorations then there is no knocking.

At about 7.30pm all the teenagers came out with their scream masks on so we called it a night, I have a rule not to answer the door after 8pm as for me Trick or Treating is for the youngsters and they would most likely be home by that time

pogofish

Beetlemama wrote: »

Please folks, if you are NOT home to trick or treaters, would you mind turning off the front hall light for a couple of hours so the kids know whether to call?

Well bugg*r-off back to the States then - Its Guizing in this country and you ought to know that to expect.

If there is one good thing from this, maybe your kids won't consider a career in any door knocking profession now? :P

NiallB

I bought lots of party-bag sized sweets on the way home last night. Not a single trick or treater all evening. Now I'm worried that the neighbours think I'm weird or something. :eek:

NBLondon

zebramolli wrote: »

At about 7.30pm all the teenagers came out with their scream masks on so we called it a night, I have a rule not to answer the door after 8pm as for me Trick or Treating is for the youngsters and they would most likely be home by that time

Yep - that's about right. Little kids who've made an effort and actually dressed up who will be pleased that they got a chocolate spider in return.

Teenagers who have obtained a mask and expect cash can get lost.

And while we're at it....

"Penny for the Guy" requires you to a) have a reasonable attempt at a guy and b) be pleasant.

Carol Singing requires you to make some reasonable attempt at entertaining us with your singing before you hope for a reward.

Sublime_2

Had just the cutest pair of treaters only (accompanied by their mum, a neighbour, as only tots) bearing HM cakes, and goodies. I handed a bag of sweeties to them to rummmage in, as a treat for them. They politely took one each. So adorable!

Andy_L

Beetlemama wrote: »

Not sure who started saying you were asked to sit in the dark, but it wasn't me.

Anyway, nice to see so many nice responses
Thanks guys, until next year then....

Lots of houses don't have a hall, the door opens straight into the lounge

heretolearn_2

I don't mind kids I know, from friends and neighbours, but I don't like random kids knocking. It depends on how much effort they've made. If they've got a decent costume, ok, (I especially like homemade ones rather than bought) but if they've just wrapped a bin bag round themselves, tough luck.

When my son was at that age we just took him round a few neighbours and his school friends houses. I did get thoroughly miffed at one house though, we knocked, the dad gruffly said 'no'. Ok, fair enough, off we went. Then we bumped into his daughter out trick or treating with mum. Blooming cheek, want other people to give to your kid but don't give out to her friends in return!

Hermia

Beetlemama wrote: »

I doubt any of you are mean enough to yell at little kids, but it makes it easier for everyone if everyone knows the rules. While it wasn't an old tradition here, it's certainly a new one and the streets are now full of kids. All the parents sites and the letters they send home from school tell you these are the rules you should follow, it seems a shame if only the kids know them and risk upsetting people - and people upsetting the kids.

But how would those of us without kids know these rules? I have NEVER heard any rules about these things. It's no good the schools telling the kids these rules if the rest of the community don't know!

I am not sitting in the dark or having to justify why I won't open my door. The last time I opened my door I had kids throwing flour and eggs into my house because I didn't have any sweets (I didn't even remember it was halloween).

Hollie84

We took our two out for the first time,we seen people in there kitchen milling about yet chose to ignore the door which is fine,but wouldnt it be easier to put a sign up rather than just being ignorant.its one night and a bit of fun if u dont want to join in then stick a sign on the door makes life easier and stops u from keep being disturbed

edgex

Beetlemama wrote: »

Please folks, if you are NOT home to trick or treaters, would you mind turning off the front hall light for a couple of hours so the kids know whether to call?


We went out and had a woman whip open her door and shout at our 8 year old, we were both with him, though standing back, and we were observing the usual rules of only knocking doors that were lit up AND had a living room light on, he only knocked once and it was just so uncalled for.

If you are not in, please leave the light off just for one night so the kids know not to bother you, or put up a no TorT'ers sign if you don't want the light off like some people have.

I doubt any of you are mean enough to yell at little kids, but it makes it easier for everyone if everyone knows the rules. While it wasn't an old tradition here, it's certainly a new one and the streets are now full of kids. All the parents sites and the letters they send home from school tell you these are the rules you should follow, it seems a shame if only the kids know them and risk upsetting people - and people upsetting the kids.

Peace out.

Beetlemama wrote: »

Not sure who started saying you were asked to sit in the dark, but it wasn't me.

Anyway, nice to see so many nice responses
Thanks guys, until next year then....

our front hall, which has the front door opening into it, connects the lounge, dining room & kitchen, & it has the stairs in it.
so no, we will not leave that light off.


are you going to supply me with a sign?


WHAT RULES???