I’ve cancelled trick-or-treating because my neighbour’s ruined Halloween – the lights are staying off in my house
IT’S only a matter of weeks until Halloween, but for one family it’s over before it even began.
This comes after one man took to Reddit to vent after an awkward interaction with his neighbour, which lead him to calling off trick-or-treating.
Rather than chocolate or other sweet treats, the man explained he usually dishes out bags of crisps to trick-or-treaters for Halloween.
But his neighbour asked if he would buy some special sweets for her child, who doesn’t like crisps but still wants to take part in trick-or-treating.
“I have a neighbour Debbie who is really upset about the potato chips we give because her kid don’t eat them,” the man explained.
“She thinks we should offer some other options to her kid because he has a disability.
“I don’t think that’s fair and I told her it’s extremely rude to ask people who are giving out free stuff for Halloween to change things for just one kid and I told her I’m not doing it.”
The man went on to say that he lets the kids who do knock on his door pick which bag and flavour they want, but won’t be taking special requests.
“I feel like that’s more than generous,” he added.
That didn’t go down too well with Debbie though, and the mum slammed him for refusing to accommodate her child’s preferences.
“I’m older so I think a child should be grateful for whatever they get for free on Halloween and not expect special treatment for a disability when getting free items,” the man continued.
In fact, the drama made him rethink Halloween altogether.
“My wife and I decided we don’t want to deal with it anymore and will be donating the crisps to the local school and churches for their Halloween party. Lights off at our house,” he slammed.
After sharing the altercation on Reddit, people were left divided, as some agreed he should stick to dishing out crisps, but others thought it would be nice to get in a bag of sweets for the youngster.
“You are not responsible for accommodating every kid on Halloween,” one said.
“You’re a freaking person, not some business or organisation, giving out free candy,” a second chimed in.
“The only accommodation I would ever think of asking for would involve me (the parents) providing the treats and just asking the neighbours to give my kid that thing. nope nope nope.”
But another mum pointed out that some kids do struggles with food, she wrote: “So, my kid is on the autism spectrum, and he only eats Skittles Littles and Sour Punch Bites.
“He will not touch any other candy, and trying to bribe him to taste it just leads to him gagging until he pukes.”
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.