What to do about being out for trick or treaters

[HalloweenScrooge]

So it’s Halloween again - kids love it, we live in an active neighbourhood. Have the pumpkins, the decs, all ready to go.

We will likely be out for a fair bit of the early evening as the kids are going to a Halloween party and then trick or treating on the way home (about half a mile). Party is 4-6 so expect to be home about 7ish. Prime trick or treating time is 5.30-7.30 around here.

I think DH will be home for some of it (unless he comes with to the party, which he might) but for the trick or treating I might want two adults with us - it will be very busy in our neighbourhood.

So - what are the thoughts on leaving an honesty bowl with some treats in? Last time I did this some teens stole the whole thing early on (have cctv so know who it was). How PA is it to leave a sign saying please take one? I think it’s probably too far to say that you’re on cctv but what about something fun/creepy along the lines of ‘you’re being watched’.

Also slightly nervous about making it very obvious we are out.

I’m way overthinking this and am bemused about the potential pile on I might be about to get, but any MNers have some good ideas?

Are people trick or treating tonight and not tomorrow? I'm confused even checked the date

People who take all the sweets are not going to do anything different because you've put a sign up asking them to take 1.

I'djust go out yourselves and not worry.

I wouldn’t decorate your house if you’re not going to be in for trick or treaters. I wouldn’t leave sweets otherwise if you are not going to be in.

My sister used to take her pre made Halloween bags with her. Then pass them out to the kids from her street and around that she knew while they were out. Is that something that you can do?

I'm having a few kids/ their adults round. Menfolk will walk around with kids T or T'ing, women folk will stay home ooening the door, sorting food and drinking wine 🍷.

Perfecto 😃🎃

@knittingaddict

I'm the real Halloween scrooge.

I don't answer the door and I don't give out sweets. To be fair it doesnt seem to be a thing where we live, so we aren't actually disappointing any small children.

So am I. Think I’m going to put my car in the garage tomorrow night to make it look like I’m out.

Sometimes I'm working so I hand bags of sweets out to the local kids who would normally come to the door, and my son's friends beforehand. Then DH takes him out trick or treating without feeling bad. It's up to him if he answers the door when he's in, but at least he won't feel guilty not doing so. I think it's poor form to expect people to give your kids sweets but not return the gesture.