not to have trick and treating this Friday?

[punter]

My mother died on 28 September, she was 91 so not a tragedy but still a shock. Don't think I have grieved yet there is so much to sort out. Where we live there have always been lots of callers on Halloween and I have happily shrieked at their costumes and given them sweets etc. But really do not feel like doing it this year. My mother lived 3 hours away so no reason for most of the local families to know of her death. We would happily go out for the evening but we have 2 year old lab who will go crackers at the continual door bell ringing. Should I tie up the front gate and put a note on to say 'not this year sorry?' Or just hide in the back room and disconnect the door bell?

Sorry about your mum :(

There's no rule that you have to do hslloween if you don't want to, round here kids only normally knock if you put decorations/a pumpkin out, but yes, disconnect the door bell and ignore :)

so sorry for your loss

we never do anything for halloween if that helps

So sorry for your loss. There is no reason why you shouldn't opt out of trick or treating if you don't want to do it.

I have a sign that you can print off the Surrey police website that says 'No trick or treat. Thank you.' It has pumpkin and a ghost illustration on it. I Put it in the window and have not had any bother from trick or treaters. Other police forces may have their own, if not go to www.surrey.police.uk.

So sorry about your mum.

Just do it though - as usual. You'll feel better for it.

Would your dog be okay provided the doorbell isn't ringing? If so, I would disconnect it and go out.

If the house is dark and normal cars aren't there, I doubt many kids will bother trying. Round here all that's needed to be left alone is to not have Halloween decorations up.

Sorry about your mum - be good to yourself.

We put a sign out every year and have never had any problems.

Dont do it. Last year we were all poorly and I didn't want the hassle. I took batteries out of the doorbell and turned the lights off.pulled the curtains and curled up in front of the TV
like others said, kids round our way only knock if there is a pumpkin/decorations out.
Sorry for your loss, look after yourself

Totally agree with other posters OP. I am heavily pregnant and having trouble walking so there's no way I'm jumping up and down like a yo-yo handing out sweets. We'll be taking the batteries out of the doorbell thing and hiding in the back with a cup of cocoa. You should do what you feel works best for you and grieve the way you want to.

print out the sign (or there are usually copies about in shops) and stick it up. You could even add 'due to recent bereavement'.

sorry for your loss.