Trick, Treat or Terrifying?

It’s September but people are already buying Christmas presents. Well, if they’re there in the shops, it does kind of encourage us to think ahead, doesn’t it!

But amongst the baubles and Santa shaped chocolates there’s more holiday trinketry of a darker kind. Halloween is on October 31^st and while for many it’s a ghoulishly fun time, for others it’s a pain in the erm… neck.

Not all of the recipients of trick or treaters are glad to welcome them. So if you’re accompanying a band of young ghosts and vampires on their door knocking pursuits this year, spare a thought for the elderly people in your area, or simply those who want a quiet evening in without being disturbed.

Advise Trick or Treaters not to spook the elderly at Halloween -

The tradition of trick or treating is relatively new to the UK, although the US has been embracing it for many years. As a result many older people are, understandably, wary of the activity. Even when it’s not Halloween they’re not keen on opening the door to strangers at night.

How you can help keep your elderly neighbours feeling less vulnerable during Halloween:

1. Remind them that trick or treating will be happening so that they are prepared.
2. Suggest they put a polite notice on their front door, something like, “No trick or treaters please. Have a happy Halloween.”
3. Have a chat with other neighbours about chaperoning children who want to do trick or treat, they’ll be more aware of who their elderly neighbours are than the kids will.

To talk about how trick or treat is being handled in your neighbourhood why not go over to the forums at www.neighbourblog.com.