Halloween survival guide

Love or loathe it, Halloween is fast approaching and the little monsters darlings are getting ready for a night of dressing up and scoffing sweets. Whether you choose to indulge trick or treaters, avoid the knock at the door, or join in the festivities, here's our guide to getting through All Hallows with ease.

How to avoid trick or treaters

"Am I wrong to think it is unwise to teach children to knock on doors and accept sweets from strangers?"

For lots of people, Halloween night is a tense one. Whether you're not keen on strangers knocking on the door, the idea that 'tricks' might be handed out as well as treats, or even just the commercialism of the event, you can take gentle measures to deter people from calling on you.

Put up a poster

The easiest way to deter trick or treaters is to put up a 'no trick or treat' poster. These are available from your local police constabulary's website, where you can download them and print them off. Stick one to your front door and enjoy your evening in peace...

Keep your Jack O'Lantern indoors

A pumpkin in the window encourages trick or treaters and, in some areas, will indicate that you're open to them. Leave yours inside and shut the curtains for the evening.

Leave sweets outside

If you're not bothered by Halloween itself, but more by having to answer the door every two minutes, cut the middle man and set up a table outside with a bowl of sweets for little trick or treaters to help themselves to.

See a film instead

If you're not there, you can't hear the knock on the door, no? Pop out to the cinema for a more relaxing evening...you don't even have to see a scary film.

What to do if...

Trick or treaters ask for money

Under no circumstances should you feel pressured to give a caller money. Leaving a table with sweets on it outside the door will mean you don't have to answer it at all. If you'd prefer to hand them out personally, use a peephole before opening, or keep the chain on the door.

If a trick or treater asks for money, state that you don't have any change, offer a sweet instead, and shut the door. If your area has a neighbourhood watch, it will probably be active on the night, so you could also keep a contact number handy. Remember, most trick or treaters will be kids enjoying the spirit <no pun intended> of the evening.

You feel threatened

If you are witness to or victim of any anti-social behaviour, call the police - either on 101 if it's not an emergency, or 999 if you need help ASAP. They are aware that many people will be feeling vulnerable on this particular night of the year and will be able to advise you.

How to welcome trick or treaters

Some gransnetters love Halloween, even if it's just to see the little devils dressed up as, uh, little devils. It's a great excuse to brighten up dull and dark evenings, and can bring the local community together.

So, if you're open for trick or treat business, here's how to let neighbours know they're welcome to try your house for a handful of sweets for their children.

Leave a light on

"If you want them to call, you leave a light outside and a table with sweets on. They do not knock if there is no light. I really enjoy it."

If you're happy to dole out the fun-size Haribos on the night, carve a pumpkin and leave it outside your door to indicate you're happy for people to knock.

Set a time limit

If you plan to welcome trick or treaters, but aren't sure you want to be getting up and down to answer the door all night, consider setting a time limit. This may mean answering the door until, say 8:30pm or so, after which the younger children will probably be on their way to bed.

Try to include sugar-free options

"I always mix satsumas and boxes of raisins in my basket of treats - one little girl who was diabetic used to say she loved coming to our house because I encouraged her to take extra!"

Halloween parties

If you're not keen on letting your grandchildren out into the big bad world, how about bringing Halloween to life at home or going to an organised event? Doing a bit of baking, apple bobbing and ghastly ghost stories, or perhaps holding a witch-themed film night.

If you don't fancy hosting, lots of churches hold Lights Parties, which are a nice alternative to trick or treating and include games, activities and lessons that give children more positive associations with Halloween. There are plenty of other options that will save you sitting at home alone, waiting for the knock at the door. Gransnetters reminisce to give you a few ideas...

"My grandchildren have a 'Lights Party' at their church on All Saints Day and do happy, funny things and all in a safe environment."

"I'm going to a Halloween do with my daughter and grandchildren. Apparently I have to dress up as a vampire. They've got me a costume!" 

"I don't like the mischief part of halloween but I do love the witchy films that turn up on TV. The Craft, Hocus Pocus with Bette Midler and the lovely Sandra Bullock in Practical Magic."

Other things you might like:

       

Halloween 'no trick or treat' posters

           

Halloween treats to bake with grandchildren

Images: Shutterstock