Trick or treating 'rules'

[Skyisbluetoday]

Are there any to follow? I have never gone trick or treating before with my kids (3 and 6). We used to live in an area where this really wasn't a thing, but have now moved and it's possible. I don't know if there is an etiquette I need to know about? It will only be the two of then (and me). I assume it would be OK to knock on people's door if they have halloween decorations out, and avoid those that don't. Or do people not do a door to door halloween now? Is it just shops (don't want to do that)? What time would you go out with them given their ages? Thanks!

Pretty much that.
A pumpkin or decorations it's fine to knock.

I never heard of anyone trick or treating from a shop! Where is this a thing?!

Houses with pumpkins and decs visible ONLY.

It’s fine for little kids to start about 6, as soon as it gets dark. Peel off when the big ones start.

Politely take sweets without being greedy or grabbing a handful. If it’s a take one situation, they take one.

Say thank you.

Remind the disc to say thank you and not be too grabby. I love the ones who go wooooo and look pleased when I pretend to be scared.

Yes if decorated knock for sweets.
Go when it’s just getting dark - wrap up warm.

I used to stand back a bit and let the kids knock so the owners didn’t feel over whelmed with grownups.

Dc

Here it's roughly done between 5-8pm and only houses which have decorated.

Same here as above - only houses which are decorated and not late. Hoping everyone sticks to the etiquette this year as DH will be sleeping before a brutal nightshift - no pumpkin/decs for us!

Don't ask for cash if you dont want the sweets etc....have that in my area each year...grabby kids demanding cash....!!

I always stood down the drive so home owners could see they were being parented, and I always said thank you .
After 6 so it’s after tea time.
Only at houses that are decorated.

Thank you all! I feel strangely nervous about it, but they really want to go (I blame 'Angelina's Halloween...). Yes I was surprised about going trick or treating in shops too.

yes to only knocking on decorated houses or on our close we also go with porch light on - ok porch light off - not taking part. also only knock or ring once. if they don’t come - move on. other rules were for when they were a bit older and going around without me and included never going inside even just into the doorway and not accepting anything other than sweets. a few older people offered them money if they didn’t have sweets but i told mine to politely decline.

What everyone else has said. Round here little ones of that age tend to come at sunset or not much after dark. I'd say 6-7.

Only decorated houses.
After 5 when dark.
Take one item each.
Don't spend too much time choosing.
Only decorated houses.
If given something you don't like, still say thank you.

@earsup Cash!?

I really don't like Halloween for the reason alone that it feels quite grabby. When I grew up (70s and another country) we used to dress up on the 6th December and go around the neighbourhood knocking on doors and singing Christmas carolls ( and where given sweets). Sometimes we have out apples or candies as well. That was so much nicer than threatening people with throwing eggs at their door or demanding other sweets.

*gave out apples or candles

It's a fairly recent American import - never heard of when I was a child.

It involves teenage louts throwing eggs & flour at windows & cars if they are not given money.

I live in a "naice" village, & the local shop removes flour & eggs from the shelves a week beforehand & one has to ask for them at the counter.

[quote Skyisbluetoday]@earsup Cash!?

I really don't like Halloween for the reason alone that it feels quite grabby. When I grew up (70s and another country) we used to dress up on the 6th December and go around the neighbourhood knocking on doors and singing Christmas carolls ( and where given sweets). Sometimes we have out apples or candies as well. That was so much nicer than threatening people with throwing eggs at their door or demanding other sweets.[/quote]
Oh its only a few that demand cash...most children are fine with some fruit or sweets...

I would do it between 6-7pm, and only houses that had both decorations up and a light on.

Don't take oodles - just one big item or a couple of smaller ones.

Say thank you.

Do jump and look scared if the person opening the door is in fancy dress!!

Shops only if it's bloody obvious they are participating - our local corner shop did (one of the owners was by the side/delivery door which was lit fir the occasion) but I think they were unusual in that.

And a safety note - naked flames and flammable costumes are a hazard. Don't let DC bound up to doors if there are any about

@Georgyporky

It's a fairly recent American import - never heard of when I was a child.

It involves teenage louts throwing eggs & flour at windows & cars if they are not given money.

I live in a "naice" village, & the local shop removes flour & eggs from the shelves a week beforehand & one has to ask for them at the counter.

Trick or Treating is hugely popular in my village and I've never been asked for money!! It's not a recent American import either, guising happened in the early 20th century in the UK, especially in Scotland and Ireland.

Guising is a centuries old Scottish tradition - it's been around longer than USA has existed!!

A recent American import? I remember it happening in the early 80s in the uk.

People should turn off their front door lights or blow out the pumpkin lights if they are done for the night.

Teach your kids to say “trick or treat” and “thank you”.

Tell them to only reach into a candy bowl if instructed by the host, otherwise just hold out their bag for the treats.

Don’t knock on houses with no decorations, no visible lights on and curtains closed. I’m bitter, we get numerous ones every year (numerous elderly neighbours so don’t encourage it, some of them find it frightening).

In my old house the one year I did do it was surprised by stragglers after 9pm - far too late.

At least 1700 in the Isle of Man which exported to USA

I agree with everyone saying

Only knock on doors where they are displaying Halloween decorations, and are therefore expecting it.
They will open the door and your DC can say 'Trick or Treat' or maybe won't even need to say anything as the sweets will already be offered.
Don't do it for very long.