AIBU to think this guy is a Halloween fun sponge?

[Hadjab]

Now, I hate Halloween with a passion, always have always will, so I do the Mumsnetty thing of not opening my door to Trick or Treaters on the night, but some random bloke has decided to create a set of rules and regulations that he (seriously, really seriously) expects people to follow:

With the spooky season upon us: A few people have asked me draw something up to avoid a repeat of last years Halloween. Here are a few ideas I’ve thought of – am welcoming feedback on this consultation

1. Do you really need to buy decorations and toys that are single use plastic
2. No misleading signs in shops and bakeries, pubs and public buildings. “e.g. danger keep out”
3. No flashing lights or loud noises that could be challenging to a persons of additional needs
4. No outfits that are frightening to dogs
5. No trick or treating on main roads, LTN ‘s or other special roads ONLY.
6. Any houses wishing to participate must pre-register (cannot be a house near a dog park).
7. Any snacks must be accompanied by an allergy sheet – it the responsibility of the “candy donor” to check for allergies from a responsible adult
8. Families wishing to trick or treat must pre-register 10 working days in advance and specify their route and times along side details of the fancy dress. For neighbours via this app to lodge any objections.
9. Any decorations deemed inappropriate to be removed promptly upon regular patrol
10. No children under 9

The only point I agree with is no.1 - AIBU in thinking let people live, it's one night?

I presume most people will just ignore the post and carry on with living their lives.

@ColleenDonaghy

'It's not an Americanism - Halloween is Celtic and has always been celebrated in Ireland and Scotland.'

I stand corrected 😊

In that case, just ignore what this chap is saying. He sounds like he has copied something from a USA site who have HOAs ( Home Owners Associations). The words used are mostly not Uk ones. HOAs will patrol, for instance to ensure everyone is doing what they are supposed to do

I feel the same way about Christmas with all the unnecessary plastic tat there, the flashing lights and the faux cheeriness where too many people seem to think because it Christmas they now want to be kind instead of doing so for most of the year, the about six months lead-up as well as the adverts for next Christmas immediately after it has finished BUT I leave people to it and would ignore this person and their rules.

We only knock on doors of those who have their lights on, reuse the decorations or make new ones that go in the recycling, pumpkin is used and goes in the compost bin after use. It’s a community event in our area and money is also raised for charity. It’s great fun and one of the only times in the year, many of the neighbours are out and participating. Christmas less so due to the weather and many people having plans.

Jeez - the only sensible “rules” are:
Only go to the houses that are clearly participating!
We buy the plastic stuff, and it gets stored in the loft for next year - just like the Christmas decorations - what is “single use Halloween stuff”, anyway?

I'm guessing the OP is based in the US where neighbourhood associations can basically make or break the spirit of their residents.

I remember watching a piece by John Oliver on Last Week Tonight about HOA's. Very eye opening to say the least.

I'd reply with "Hi Caring Neighbour, I think cutting back on the first point you raised is very sensible and not just restricted to Halloween. Christmas is only around the corner and single use plastic decorations should be prohibited. However, the other options don't fit with my druid belief system so I'll politely decline. Thank you for your careful consideration. All the spooky best - Hadjab"

I was typing my post as the OP was posting that they're UK based. Still, I think that the LWT piece is still eye opening.

My dog is terrified of a local tradesman's van. On the side of it is a big picture of a guy in a hi-viz giving a thumbs up, and my dog goes berserk at it

They can all do what they like as long as they don’t come pestering me

I would be of the opinion he may not get out much and may be better off not actually going out at all. Seriously, I would ignore.

What are the other responses like?

This is what laughing emojis are for

My favourite rule is “no children under 9”.

Who appointed him as the Halloween police? Not even the real police would do this. He sounds like a twat and you should tell him so publicly 😉

ClaribelLowLieth · Today 11:39
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Not sure why but this made me laugh out loud - and I'm more of a wry smile type =
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4. No outfits that are frightening to dogs

Our dog was really alarmed by people wearing hats.

I usually think when people are talking about this kind of Halloween, they’re not talking about something descended from Samhain that’s been celebrated in Scotland and Ireland for roughly a thousand years (though yes, Samhain has guising, mumming, costumes, and more). What Samhain doesn’t have is the American version that’s been imported back over here, where the holiday gets tatted up like a cheap gigolo, in (non biodegradable) glitter, (fake) cobwebs, and single-use plastics. Because God knows you can’t have ANY holiday now without wasting a metric shite-load of money on stuff that won’t be reused for the same holiday next year. Drives me…. batty.

Theres a guy like this in our neighbourhood too. My neighbors all think hes got way too much time on his hands. We like to laugh about it and then get on with our lives

Are you sure it’s not a joke?

It’s a joke post, surely? Stolen from an American site with a joke post on it and slightly doctored.

It sounds like an attempt to create one of those tongue in cheek posts like the one that goes round at Christmas about the dangers of rushing around in one horse open slays.

IMO it’s not meant to be serious.

Mostly mocking, but a few in support.

@stayathomer @WhatapityWapiti @MayThe4th I did wonder if it was indeed a joke, but having snooped throug his other posts, he appears to be a one man Neighbourhood Watch, a hero nobody asked for or wants.

Well exactly, everything is more commercial now. The contrast between the Christmas my grandparents grew up with Vs the Christmas my children have would be vast, but the underlying traditions stay much the same. No difference with Halloween.

wtf, is 'authorised' dog fighting okay?

Hadjab I’m a rom com author and I couldn’t write him - people wouldn’t believe me😅

This is the funniest thing I've read all week!