To worry about sweets from trick or treating…

[Backtoblack87]

Just had a horrible thought… when we go trick or treating, what if we are given dodgy sweets? I mean I know it isn’t likely but unless you know everyone you go to, how can you guarantee they aren’t giving your kid drugs?! Does this worry anyone else?!

Why go if this is a worry to you? It's not compulsory.

We actually do know everyone we go to, but I do not think this would be a worry, even if we didn't.

Sweet Jesus. Does it hurt to have these thoughts @Backtoblack87 ?

How else do you get actual zombies at Halloween if it were not for kind souls such as your good self doing a service to fancy dress parties everywhere.

What about candy apples. But it’s an onion.

We do the pumpkin at the front thing too. This year mr12yo has decided he is too old for t or t so is going to be the official handerouterer ( not convinced that's a word). Most of the littlies are with their parents and the slightly older ones in groups. People down the road have put up the absolute best massive rope spider web with a huge fluffy spider in it. I must say though I am glad to finally be able to stop the huge chaotic rush of "shit it's halloween - DH go buy an inordinate amount of lollies, kids come here, you, here's a really uncomfortable mask and you go find your spiderman outfit and you no honestly this plastic black table cloth looks just like a cape . And oh ok, bloody hell I'll cut 2 holes for your eyes I suppose it's better you can see ( could've just held your brothers hand but alright I guess)".

I've heard it all now!

I'll be honest. Nobody in their right mind is going to give away drugs for free.
It's taught in schools to be aware of people trying to give you drugs. Never on my many years on earth has this EVER happened. Too pricy to give away 🤣

We decorate our house for Halloween because we love Halloween. They are not an invitation for trick or treaters.

We don't want strangers knocking on our door all night it feels invasive.

So yes, they are uninvited and asking for things for free, like the homeless man in your example.

Simple answer,refrain from visiting houses where there are people you have never met.
I wouldn't allow my children to eat anything handed out to them by total strangers.

Let me explain again. Halloween etiquette means children should only knock on doors that they are invited to - decorations and lit pumpkins outside.
If someone knocks on random stranger's doors they are breaking the rules and that can be very unpleasant. However most children know and respect the rules so they don't go "begging ", they participate in mutal fun with their willing neighbours.

Careful, you might do a tummy shame

No there weren't, it's an urban legend.

We live in a naice house in the country, We like it quiet.

Regardless people can't really think you're not allowed to decorate your house for Halloween without having an open invitation for all the children and families to flock to your door?

Well yes that's kind of how it works. If you love Halloween but hate kids knocking on your door, its a bit contradictory

Amahhhhzing 😂

People who give drugs away for free are usually trying to get you as a customer or trying to sexually assault you.
Small children don't have much money so wouldn't be great customers and as long as they are supervised properly all evening, the second option shouldn't be a risk either.

Halloween decorations are the signal that you're up for trick or treaters. If you're going to decorate but don't want people knocking then you need to do something else to indicate it - gates closed, lights off, curtains drawn. Trick or treating is pretty central to Halloween so it's reasonable for people to think you're participating if you've decorated.

But the unwritten rule in most of the country is that decorated houses welcome trick or treaters.

It’s like putting up a Christmas tree and then telling your kids there are no presents because you don’t celebrate Christmas.

Nope, I love the pagan traditions of Samhain, the harvest festival and the fun spooky films. Love pumpkins and ghosts and pretty lights. Don't love kids knocking my door, it has nothing to do with why I like Halloween. Halloween is about so much more than trick or treating, nothing wrong with not liking it.

It is a possibility. Drinks get spiked. It is a reasonable thought to have.

We absolutely celebrate Halloween, we just celebrate it with the people in our house and not everyone else, an odd comparison.