Halloween - what to do

IMO it’s only become such a big thing in the U.K. generally (I gather it was always a tradition in Scotland) since the arrival of so much orange and black tat - largely plastic - in the shops. I’m sure it because of the consumerist element that it’s largely taken over from Bonfire Night.

Though having said that, my dds spent much of their late 1970s/most of 1980s) childhoods in the UAE, where there was certainly no Halloween tat in the shops, but most of the children on the big construction camp where we lived would go trick or treating (though with no tricks!). I had to make any outfits - I think there’s still a very basic witch’s dress somewhere, and I well remember concocting a broomstick out of sundry bits of tree.

I well remember that dds had no idea of ‘tricks’ - the elder wrote at school that she had gone ‘trickle treating’!

There is a Facebook page of over 70000 members working out how to do Halloween safely. This is their web site. www.artventurers.co.uk/the-big-neighbourhood-pumpkin-trail/
There are posters to print out asking children not to knock, scavenger hunt ideas, ideas on how others are putting out, or not putting out sweets, and posters for the window saying that you are taking part in the Pumpkin Trail.
It has been featured in various print media as well as on Radio 4 and the tv.

Forget it . its not celebrating anything and is horrid and outdated now .

I don't think Halloween is imported from USA. I remember dressing up and going out guising in the early 60s. Where I live there is to be a pumpkin walk for the local playgroup so I'm going to decorate my living room window with foam pumpkins and spider webs etc. I'll buy some treat sized chocolate bars in case the wee family across the road come out.

We’ll just be doing the usual sacrificial fire and raising a demon.

Round here people stick to the only knocking if theres a lit pumpkin outside "code". Also we find that the older kids who don't have parents with them tend to not come round when halloween falls during half term - maybe due to not seeing their mates to plan

Quote: 'my car was deliberately scratched I believe because the little toad who did it thought they were carrying out a 'trick' against that neighbour.'

This is precisely why I detest Hallowe'en. The whole 'event' should be cancelled permanently. It causes enormous anguish to vulnerable people who are targeted, and encourages criminal behaviour. ( Scratching a car is criminal behaviour, there is nothing 'petty' about it: it is a deliberate act against someone else.)

We usually have quite a few little kids round, but I doubt there’ll be any this year. However I will still put a small pumpkin in the window and leave some packs of Smarties outside. I’ve bought 4 packs of 4 and have nobly resisted breaking into them so far!

I always turn the pumpkin into a Thai-style soup the next day anyway - onion and lots of chilli, ginger and garlic plus a can of coconut milk - so that won’t be wasted.

I never participate in Halloween as I think it is a fairly unsafe activity in normal times. It encourages children to wander the streets and can be very frightening for older people living alone as some children can be very intimidating by persistently ringing doorbells and knocking on door. It is an exploitative import form the USA.

After 36 years of Halloween this year I have decided that no I will not be participating, no pumpkins, no sweets just a quiet boring night and look forward to next year ?

Who gives a ****

As others say, doubt there will be many visits from children this year.Where we live now we have never had any come to the house, although I usually buy some fun sized wrapped choc bars in case they do ( eaten by us!)?
To the OP, if any children do come, open the door and put a tray down with wrapped bars on it and tell them to pick one item each?

I didn't think anyone would be doing it honestly, it must break all the guidelines. Maybe send the children in your family some sweets or a halloween gift instead?

Usually we have a lit pumpkin on display, but this year we have decided that discretion is the better part of valour and will not. It is a shame as it is great fun, but as others have said, I do nto think as many children will be out.I do not think my DGC will be, instead the bubble member of their household is coming round and they are going to have an indoor party. My DDiL is a very good and inventive party thrower and they have a garden that can be made to look scary.

Grannyben my daughter doing the same with GC’s

My grandchildren, aged 6 and 3, will also be doing a pumpkin walk with mum. When they see one, mum will pop one of her own sweets into their bucket. No knocking on doors and no taking sweets from anyone else.

Halloween and Bonfire night celebrations have been banned here in Wales as we'll be in full lockdown come Friday!

Pumpkin with lollipops for hair or may be a hedgehog pumpkin with lollipop spikes.
Children can help themselves. ?‍♀️?‍♂️

Quite a few doing the pumpkin trail in my area. Bought a big bowl and will have some treats at the end of the drive.. Mostly littlies and under 10s near us. DGC having their own fun at their own houses and doing the pumpkin trail. One of DD2 friends has made a large spiders web with treats bags pinned to it and is hanging it on her hedge.

I don’t think many will be out in my town not judging by fb posts and the small about of stuff we have sold in the charity shop this year
So I ll leave it for this year

I will do what we always do and if children come there will be treats for them. I have ordered some small organza bags so i cn separate them out so no digging in one big bowl

In normal circumstances, it is nice to see the little ones dressed up and given a treat (with responsible adult with them of course), but this year it is not normal, the risks are great, so hence my advice still remains to not bother.

I will have pumpkins outside and treats for the children. I love to see the costumes and makeup.

I really dont think that there will be much trick or treating this year. I cant believe that parents will allow children to go knocking on doors in the middle of a pandemic, especially at the stage we are in now. I really would not bother.

Don't bother would be my advice.