To feel bad about not answering the door for kids trick or treating

[MichikoTheCat]

Hi Mumsnet,

I just chose not to answer the door, but I'd like to explain. I live with dc (5 months old) I'm on my own as partner has been away the last two months, he is away a lot for work. Ftm no family or friends around here, shopping lately is a real struggle and I've no sweets in the house, baby is also very fussy atm. Halloween is not part of my culture back home it's just something we see on tv .

But I've seen the little kids climbing the driveway and I feel really bad now also the first person that knocked is my neighbour with her little ones and she happened to help me back few weeks ago, she got me colic drops that worked for her baby. AIBU to feel bad about this ? Can I maybe make it to the neighbour in some way? Thanks for reading

Don't feel bad, I can't understand the way halloween has taken off in the last few years, shops full of themed tat, kids knocking on doors etc. Another overseas trend I don't need.

Yep me too. I've done my years of hosting Halloween, then answering the door when every other fucker is out when older. My dog and I currently enjoying a marrowbone and a glass of Merlot (respectively), in the near dark 😁

I love Halloween! My DC & friends & their dads have just set off. I cant join them this time as I'm recovering from surgery but we have pumpkins outside and I'm sitting waiting with a big bowl of sweets - but no one has knocked so far! Maybe because it's just stopped hammering down so hopefully there'll be some along soon.

But I digress. Most people know to only knock at houses with pumpkins or decorations. It's completely reasonable to choose not to participate.

Omg love this. Thanks for the laugh 😂

@BettyB0Op @Wiccan

I used to work at the local shop, the little buggers just used to steal the eggs. We had to lock them away around Halloween 😄
First five years I lived here I decorated, made up Halloween goodie bags and sat outside freezing cold in a scary costume. Must have had about three trick or treaters. Now I do nothing and they all come!

Don't feel bad OP. I'm not answering either.
I live in a flat on a council estate which used to be really lovely with lots of nice families and some older folks. However there has been an increase in disruptive and nasty behaviour over the past couple of years (graffiti, fights, people smoking weed in the lift...I could go on) which is mostly just from a few families and individuals. Unfortunately I'm quite anxious about how Halloween is going to pan out and tonight I have blanket policy of just not opening the door to anyone. I've not bought any treats and I'm genuinely quite worried about the kids rushing in and trashing my flat. Some kids knocked just now and I'm afraid i just sprang up double-locked the door and said through the letter box to please move along. I feel like such a horrible old killjoy but I have a one year old baby at home and I just can't handle the stress of a potential confrontation.

I live in the US and I've chosen not to do it this year.
You can only imagine what a social pariah I'll become in the neighborhood.
My kids are adults, my grandchildren moved away so I'm just not feeling the spirit of the day.
I'm going to watch The Omen in my bedroom and call it good.