How do others feel about trick or treating? I'm asking because I find Halloween night really stressful but often get told that it is harmless fun for kids and that I am being a big meanie about it. I understand that many people love the whole trick or treating thing and positively encourage it by decorating their houses and gardens. But where I live children tend to knock on each and every door expecting sweets. Halloween night here is a night of strangers constantly knocking on my door and window. I live in a house facing the main street and have two choices: turn off all the lights and stay in the back garden all evening - yep, I've done that - or spend the evening as normal and either ignore the knocking or answer the door to some strangers demanding treats. Thing is the dogs go crazy at the knocking and open the curtains which exposes the kids to the sight of me quietly rocking whilst silently praying that they will go away!! My now almost an adult child told me today that I deprived him by not allowing him to go out trick or treating and that he still gets stick off his mates about his "wierd mum who would not let him go." As it is I feel guilty either way.
