Halloween

I used to hate it, now I don't mind so much. A couple of pumpkins, loads of cheap sweets and it's over in a few hours.

As to its being an American thing, I thought it was a British custom exported to America then imported back? Used to be All Hallows'Eve? Does anyone remember the bit in Wolf Hall where Cromwell is 'visited' by his dead wife and daughter?

For us as kids Halloween meant dressing up in a sheet and ducking apples. All very tame and simply a precursor to the real event of Bonfire Night.

I hope the tatty costumes sold this year will be fireproof, following the incident last year with Claudia Winkleman's daughter . Beware of flames everyone please!

Shysal apparently the same non-fireproof costumes are available as usual. Let's hope people are sensible enough to not buy them.

I Never knew it was called "guising" but in the NE there is a strong tradition of going to houses on Halloween. I had a neighbour in his 80s when my kids were small and they always had to go and see him. He asked for a poem or song and gave them sweets in return. The Americans may have appropriated the celebration but we should steal it back.

I suppose it was called guising because they are in disguise.

gettingonabit - you are right about All Hallows' Eve being English, of course. I really meant the 'trick or treating' bit being American. I certainly do remember that scene in Wolf Hall. What a fantastic book that is - also the TV programme, of course. Hilary Mantel is said to be writing a third book in the series, which should be interesting.

Re the Halloween costumes, I read somewhere recently that they would be fireproofed this year after Claudia Winkelman drew attention to them. However, I saw some in B&M today that looked the same as every year although I didn't check the labels as it would have meant finding my specs in my bag and I was overloaded with shopping.

I have to confess I do not really like it. Thankfully we live too far away from civilization for anyone to bother us with trick or treat. It is that element of threat (however benign its intention) that I do not like.

And it has now become so commercialized - just an excuse to make a bit more cash from families.

I am not aware that my GC make much of it.

I don't mind the kids calling to be honest, I like the interaction with people but we do live in a village so maybe that makes a subtle difference. We don't have any problems which is good.

My GD and I did something different last year and we will do the same if she is with me this year (she might be on a sleepover elsewhere).

We went trick or treating but 'we gave' to those who opened the door. It was really funny to see their faces as they didn't expect it. Some of the older people found it amusing to be given 'sweeties' and it actually turned out to be a friendly, happy exercise that hopefully taught my DGD giving is as good as receiving. She really took to the idea and still had 'treats' given to her in her bootybag as well. It was a very pleasant night actually.

I do think a lot of people 'advertise' the fact they are happy to get involved monanny and your granddaughters are perhaps looking forward to it.

nottoo I can't wait for the next HM either.

I think I saw an article in the DM (I know, I know) last week where certain costumes were set alight. And they all caught fire very quickly.

All are available in supermarkets.

I hate it. It always caused rows because I wouldn't let my children bother the neighbourhood.
I would find a few friends and take them there.
Our local park has an evening where children can dress up- that seems better.
I have nothing against Halloween parties - just begging for sweets from strangers.

One of my daughters is a pagan and has always celebrated all hallows in a very positive way.

Like so many others on this forum, my memory of Halloween is ducking for apples and telling ghost stories in the dark whilst eating the apples you ducked for and roasted potatoes, chewing toffees, all rare treats in the 50's I think.

My own children ducked for apples, told ghost stories and dressed up as witches or wizards. In their teens, they went out with groups of pals, dressed in various costumes.

I tend to turn the lights off at the front of the house and largely ignore the door after 7. Anyone who knocks before 7 is likely to be a tiny one in some costume or other, accompanied by a parent. I give them a treat of some kind or other. I don't mind the Americanisation of Halloween, it's life isn't it, things change.

Iam64 - 'things change' - so true, and so easy to just look back instead of forward. Thanks for the reminder.

Iam64 - 'things change' - so true, and so easy to just look back instead of forward. Thanks for the reminder.

Oh, gawd, done it again, sorry.

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For 'democrat', read 'Labourite'