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AIBU?

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Original poster

It’s a Halloween one!

37 replies

Mumof2under4 · 31/10/2025 19:12

AIBU to expect our downstairs neighbours to be home for Halloween if they have decked out the communal downstairs/outside with Halloween decor?

I thought how nice of them to get into the spirit of things and I got some sweets to put downstairs to be neighbourly. I have a young baby and really wasn’t expecting to be the door lady! I’m now here waiting for my partner to get home from work before I even attempt bed time for the kids.

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 31/10/2025 19:39

I put a note up after loads of knocking from about 5 when I got sick of telling people to go away. I’ve got poorly children, we’re not getting involved, there’s no pumpkin or decorations, there’s absolutely nothing to indicate we’re Halloween people and no reason they should be knocking on my fucking door. There’s protocol - no pumpkin don’t bother the house!

CosySeason · 31/10/2025 19:39

Lots of houses on our street decorate from October 1st and then on Halloween they are in darkness which I find a bit odd.

Bellabomb · 31/10/2025 19:31

No5ChalksRoad · 31/10/2025 19:27

I decorate but I don't make myself available to trick-or-treaters. The two activities aren't linked in any way.

I thought that putting out Halloween decorations was a recognised way of signalling that the occupants of the house will be welcoming to trick-or-treaters? Children are taught only to ring the doorbells of decorated houses and to leave the undecorated ones alone.

JudgeBread · 31/10/2025 19:30

No5ChalksRoad · 31/10/2025 19:27

I decorate but I don't make myself available to trick-or-treaters. The two activities aren't linked in any way.

I feel like most people follow the unspoken etiquette that if a house is decorated for Halloween it's open to trick or treaters, and if no decor/lights on you leave them be?

Why decorate if you're not going to actually participate in the traditions?

No5ChalksRoad · 31/10/2025 19:27

I decorate but I don't make myself available to trick-or-treaters. The two activities aren't linked in any way.

PlumpHobbit · 31/10/2025 19:26

Just dont answer the door

Topseyt123 · 31/10/2025 19:20

Just put the sweets outside the door in a bowl or in the tin. Then don't answer the door anymore. The sweets will be gone in a very short time - job done.

InterestedDad37 · 31/10/2025 19:17

Put a note out saying "It was the people at 1b. Please address all Halloween enquiries to them" 😀🎃👻🧟🧛

Overthebow · 31/10/2025 19:15

Put the bowl of sweets outside. Everyone does that round here whilst their out trick or treating themselves.

Octavia64 · 31/10/2025 19:14

Stick a note on the door

BunfightBetty · 31/10/2025 19:14

YANBU but put a note on the door saying ‘sweets all gone’ and then ignore the bell.

StressyMcStressFace · 31/10/2025 19:14

Maybe they're out trick or treating 🤷🏼‍♀️