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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU to not answer to trick or treaters at dinner time?

43 replies

Cachailleacha · 18/10/2018 22:18

I'm thinking of getting some sweets and putting a pumpkin out this year, but I want to be able to come home and get dinner in peace first. WIBU to put a sign on the door not to knock before 6.30pm?

OP posts:

Darkestnight · 19/10/2018 10:03

Yanbu, *

Bibijayne · 19/10/2018 10:07

Is this pumpkin thing new?

crispysausagerolls · 19/10/2018 10:09

Have been wondering what to do myself as I have a baby and I can think of nothing worse than the door repeatedly going, the dog barking and waking up the baby. Note is the best way I suppose too

gamerchick · 19/10/2018 10:12

YABU for saying dinner, that's midday here so thought you were going to say ignoring from 12pm ish onwards lol

So did I dinner time is always around noon.

Barbie222 · 19/10/2018 10:13

Pumpkin on the porch when you're ready and don't bother people without a pumpkin.

minivampsmakebloodwork · 19/10/2018 10:28

We've always followed the (unwritten) rule of a house dressed for Halloween and lights on, or maybe an outside light is expecting visitors.

This will be our first year trick or treating in our new home. Last year we moved just before Halloween so we weren't really in the right head space to be expecting visitors nor did I send mine out (felt it was unfair to take if we weren't giving). I'm hoping houses make it clear before the night whether they're taking part or not. I'm dressing up the porch during half term as it will be something the children can help with.

laceygo · 19/10/2018 10:30

I loathe Halloween and kids knocking whenever they feel like it are a pain in the ass

MarilynsDressOnAVent · 19/10/2018 10:41

I love Halloween and go overboard decorating for it (we're talking green floodlit house, full polystyrene graveyard, cobwebs covering every inch of fencing etc) but last year because of a clash of obligations I wasn't able to be home before 6pm. I left a note and yes, some came back after 6pm but I did miss a lot which was a shame. Who doesn't want to see a excited little toddler witch or a cute as a button 2 year old walking pumpkin?!

In your case I would have a quick dinner. Order in a pizza or something as a treat. It's one night a year where the bell goes non-stop. And it's 3-4 hours maximum.

Funnyface1 · 19/10/2018 10:42

In my estate we just go to houses that are decorated for Halloween. A lot of houses really make a big effort and it's lovely for the kids.

I agree with handing out the treats though. Some kids are a bit grabby but I guess they're just excited.

Willow2017 · 19/10/2018 10:55

last year had a boy scoop up over half of the sweets in my trick or treat bowl with both hands ( not small bowl either, he must have taken about 20 mini choc bars) and put them into his trick or treat bag held by his parent. I asked him if he was going to leave some for the other kids and he said no. Then his dad leaned over and helped himself to a handful as well!!

Greedy little sod and dad would have had thier hands stopped smartly and told to take just a few at my door! No way would he have half emptied my bowl.
I always had to tell the little uns to take more than one or two where i lived. And the dad would have been told if he didnt do a turn he doesnt get! Uttely selfish git. How are people so entitled these days? Spoils it for others and gives guisers/ t or t'ers a bad name.

IzzyGrey · 19/10/2018 16:29

Am I the only person in England whose never had a trick or treater? Live in a big town, not rural or anything? I've never even seen any going around! So confused!

Solenti · 19/10/2018 16:30

I put a big bowl of treats outside my door with a pumpkin and let them get on with it. No door knocks!

Amaaboutthis · 19/10/2018 16:36

*YABU for saying dinner, that's midday here so thought you were going to say ignoring from 12pm ish onwards lol

So did I grin dinner time is always around noon*

Nope sorry, that’s lunch. Dinner is always in the evening

OutPinked · 19/10/2018 16:36

Take the pumpkin inside while you’re eating and put it back out when you’ve finished. Simple solution. I also don’t answer in the middle of dinner.

Willow2017 · 19/10/2018 16:38

Dinner is 12 mid day. Tea is 5pm onwards here.
Not everywhere is the same Amaa

DuggeesWoggle · 19/10/2018 16:40

It's your house. If you don't want to answer the door at a particular time then don't. You have every right to sit in your house and eat your dinner and ignore the doorbell then get up and answer it afterwards if you so wish. No one is entitled to sweets just because they knock on someone's door at Halloween, pumpkins/decorations or not.

We don't put anything up because we don't celebrate Halloween but still they come. Sometimes we answer the door, sometimes not. I couldn't give a monkeys if children on the other side go away from our house empty handed, they will no doubt have tons by the time they've gone through the 180 odd houses on our street, even if half of them ignore the door.

CraftyGin · 19/10/2018 16:42

I keep my curtains firmly drawn and lights off. No way would I let it interrupt supper.

I would be more amenable if there were fixed customs, eg 5.30 - 7 on 31st only (or 30th if the 31st is a Sunday).

And no dressing up in bin bags.

wonkylegs · 19/10/2018 16:46

I'm sad that no one comes to us as apparently our long dark driveway & Victorian house is too spooky in the dark 🤔 but I always have something in case.

Put out a note but prepare to just ignore the doorbell whilst you are eating as someone is bound to ring it, especially if you've got decorations / pumpkin.

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