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Original poster

Just had our first trick or treaters…

71 replies

spitefulandbadgrammar · 31/10/2023 11:55

…at 11.30am?! We’ve got a pumpkin out but it’s not yet lit, what with it being DAYTIME. Perhaps that was the trick. I’m irrationally furious and want my Swizzels drumstick back.

OP posts:
YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 12:59

I have a 3 year old, even last year when he was only 2 he was perfectly able to wait until it actually started going dark to go trick or treating.

11.30 is bonkers surely it's common sense to go after tea, most of my street are still at work and the older kids on half term at holiday clubs until about 4pm.

Bibsmum · 31/10/2023 13:01

Maybe the parents are shift workers or something and it's just not possible to take them later and they don't want to let the kids down.

Original poster
spitefulandbadgrammar · 31/10/2023 13:02

It’s not half term here, though. They weren’t even that excited! Only 4/10 spookies. It’s far more exciting going out after dark and having doors answered by witches and ghouls than basically a daylight walk meeting confused middle-aged women in cardigans hastily rummaging in the pantry. I forgot to even do the obligatory “what a scary costume!” lie.

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YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 13:04

Bibsmum · 31/10/2023 13:01

Maybe the parents are shift workers or something and it's just not possible to take them later and they don't want to let the kids down.

Then whoever is looking after the child whilst the parent is working takes the child this evening if they don't want them to miss out.

11.30 is ridiculous and I'm amazed anyone thinks otherwise.

Whinge · 31/10/2023 13:04

meeting confused middle-aged women in cardigans hastily rummaging in the pantry. I forgot to even do the obligatory “what a scary costume!” lie.

I'm not surprised you were caught off guard, they were lucky you were even in. Halloween Grin

Thehonestbadger · 31/10/2023 13:09

It’s definitely acceptable to start with toddlers <5 around 4pm but anything before 3pm is down right cheeky.

Whinge · 31/10/2023 13:15

11.30 is ridiculous and I'm amazed anyone thinks otherwise

I'm really surprised so many people think it's ok. Halloween Confused I thought the majority would agree with the OP that trick and treating in the morning is several hours too early. I thought it was normal to wait until it was going dark (which is usually around 3 - 4pm)

Kittenkitty · 31/10/2023 13:16

I don’t want to sound really uptight but it is irritating. So many people work from home these days that I think it’s unreasonable to disturb them in normal office hours. I am in meetings but can sometimes sneak out to answer the postie. It would be disruptive if I’m doing that for the postie and any trick or treaters.

Bibsmum · 31/10/2023 13:25

@YourNameGoesHere Maybe the person looking after the kids doesn't want to take them out trick or treating.

IcedupTulip · 31/10/2023 13:27

I think it’s too early too even for little ones. I think I would take little ones around 3.30 ish if I didn’t want them out late for whatever reason. Still a bit early but not too bad and most school children are home to enjoy handing out sweets.

Deathbyfluffy · 31/10/2023 13:27

Had a couple here today, I'm not answering the door yet - in work meetings all day and I really can't be getting up and down to throw sweets out the door.
Might print a sign for the front door! 😅

YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 13:29

Bibsmum · 31/10/2023 13:25

@YourNameGoesHere Maybe the person looking after the kids doesn't want to take them out trick or treating.

Then unfortunately they miss out. It's completely bonkers to go to someone's house trick or treating at 11.30 in the morning. If the person isn't physically out at work which is very likely at 11.30 on a bloody Tuesday then logic would say if they are home they are most likely working from home because it's 11.30 on a Tuesday. Hmm

The only time it would ever be ok is if they arranged it with the OP in advance.

LlynTegid · 31/10/2023 13:29

The time is not unreasonable, as it is October 31st. If you wish to take part in the event, on your head be it.

MidnightOnceMore · 31/10/2023 13:31

YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 13:29

Then unfortunately they miss out. It's completely bonkers to go to someone's house trick or treating at 11.30 in the morning. If the person isn't physically out at work which is very likely at 11.30 on a bloody Tuesday then logic would say if they are home they are most likely working from home because it's 11.30 on a Tuesday. Hmm

The only time it would ever be ok is if they arranged it with the OP in advance.

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This is a bit intense!

YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 13:34

MidnightOnceMore · 31/10/2023 13:31

This is a bit intense!

Show quote history

It wasn't meant to sound intense but surely it's common sense.

Sugarfree23 · 31/10/2023 13:37

11.30 is insanely early. Regardless of kids age.

I'm thinking 6 is a more logical time to be out. And no don't knock if lights are out people might still be trying to organise things for their own kids inc dinner.

Bibsmum · 31/10/2023 13:38

@YourNameGoesHere Just don't open the door then or open it and tell them to come back later as you aren't prepared. It's just little kids for goodness sake. Maybe they aren't allowed out later or they are with a parent who can't take them later but was having a little walk with them to look at the decorated houses and let them knock on the odd door. I'd rather little kids called during the day than groups of teenagers late at night, now that is unreasonable.

Smartstuffed · 31/10/2023 13:39

@mogtheexcellent Good point about the weather!

MidnightOnceMore · 31/10/2023 13:39

YourNameGoesHere · 31/10/2023 13:34

It wasn't meant to sound intense but surely it's common sense.

Show quote history

No such thing as common sense - I'm just as common Grin and sensible as the next person but think 11:30 on the day is fine given they were tiny.

Mumoftwotoddlers · 31/10/2023 13:42

I don't answer the door until at least 1600, 1130 is crazy

IDoNotMoisturise · 31/10/2023 13:44

I do not answer the door at all! 😁

Whinge · 31/10/2023 13:44

It's just little kids for goodness sake. Maybe they aren't allowed out later

I don't understand why little children need to come in the morning. Halloween Confused Surely even tiny children can wait until 3-4pm, when it starts to go dark?

Edited - Apologies OP did say they were preschoolers.

brassbells · 31/10/2023 13:45

Perhaps on their way home from playgroup or nursery Halloween SmileHalloween SmileHalloween Smile

Gintastic1 · 31/10/2023 13:52

I think fair enough for preschoolers, maybe parents don’t want them out with older children later on when the “scarier” costumes are on show. But I would also be surprised if anyone knocked on our door right now…

Dinoswearunderpants · 31/10/2023 13:54

What is the general consensus on trick or treaters? I just shared a Tiktok saying how I dislike it and see it as begging and the backlash I've got is huge.

I'll happily give out sweets to trick or treaters but I won't take my son. I'm hoping as he gets older, he won't be interested in going either.

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