Halloween
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Dear Forum Users,
With Halloween approaching, we understand this time of year can bring a mix of feelings for many on our forum. While some may look forward to this day or feel neutral about it, we recognise that others may experience some stress or anxiety as it approaches. Some of you may feel concerned about children potentially knocking on your door, especially if you’re living with a family member under specific bail conditions, or if the sound of knocking itself triggers difficult memories of ‘the knock’. If you would prefer not to have trick-or-treaters visiting your home this Halloween, we have included some tips to help reduce the likelihood of such visitors, which we hope you will find helpful:
Consider keeping outdoor lights off and close visible curtains
Most trick-or-treaters will naturally avoid homes that look dark or unoccupied, as this can indicate a wish for privacy, or not being at home. It may therefore be helpful to turn off outdoor lights, as well as hallway entry lights and/or drawing curtains facing the street to reduce the likelihood of trick-or-treaters knocking on your door.
Leave treats outside your front door
If you would like to support trick-or-treaters for Halloween but prefer not to have direct contact or having them knocking on your door, you could consider leaving a bowl with treats outside your door. You could also include a sign that they can help themselves to the treats you have left outside, to further indicate that this is to the extent you will participate. Most individuals who find treats outside do not also knock on the door but will respect the boundary that indicates.
Consider printing out a “No Trick-or-Treat” sign
Many people use signs or posters to discourage trick-or-treaters, for a range of different reasons. Most often, these signs are usually respected by families and children. Having a sign or posted may help to reduce any anxiety or worries that may come with waiting for someone to knock. You can find printable versions online or check your local police website for ready-made posters that you can put on your door or in a window facing your entrance.
Plan calming activities for the evening
If you are worried about Halloween this year, we would recommend planning for some activities that bring you comfort and can occupy your attention during peak trick-or-treat hours, typically from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Watching your favourite movie, reading, or spending time with supportive friends or family can help you stay relaxed. You may also find it helpful to go outside during these hours for a walk with a loved one, your dog (if you have one) or go for a drive somewhere.
Contact someone for support
If Halloween feels especially triggering, we would encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Additionally, our helpline is available on 0808 1000 900, and will be open until 9pm on the 31st, if you would like to speak with a friendly advisor for support.
We hope these tips are helpful for anyone feeling worried about Halloween and do not want to participate for any reason. Please feel free to share any other strategies that have worked for you!
Kind regards,
The Forum Team
With Halloween approaching, we understand this time of year can bring a mix of feelings for many on our forum. While some may look forward to this day or feel neutral about it, we recognise that others may experience some stress or anxiety as it approaches. Some of you may feel concerned about children potentially knocking on your door, especially if you’re living with a family member under specific bail conditions, or if the sound of knocking itself triggers difficult memories of ‘the knock’. If you would prefer not to have trick-or-treaters visiting your home this Halloween, we have included some tips to help reduce the likelihood of such visitors, which we hope you will find helpful:
Consider keeping outdoor lights off and close visible curtains
Most trick-or-treaters will naturally avoid homes that look dark or unoccupied, as this can indicate a wish for privacy, or not being at home. It may therefore be helpful to turn off outdoor lights, as well as hallway entry lights and/or drawing curtains facing the street to reduce the likelihood of trick-or-treaters knocking on your door.
Leave treats outside your front door
If you would like to support trick-or-treaters for Halloween but prefer not to have direct contact or having them knocking on your door, you could consider leaving a bowl with treats outside your door. You could also include a sign that they can help themselves to the treats you have left outside, to further indicate that this is to the extent you will participate. Most individuals who find treats outside do not also knock on the door but will respect the boundary that indicates.
Consider printing out a “No Trick-or-Treat” sign
Many people use signs or posters to discourage trick-or-treaters, for a range of different reasons. Most often, these signs are usually respected by families and children. Having a sign or posted may help to reduce any anxiety or worries that may come with waiting for someone to knock. You can find printable versions online or check your local police website for ready-made posters that you can put on your door or in a window facing your entrance.
Plan calming activities for the evening
If you are worried about Halloween this year, we would recommend planning for some activities that bring you comfort and can occupy your attention during peak trick-or-treat hours, typically from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Watching your favourite movie, reading, or spending time with supportive friends or family can help you stay relaxed. You may also find it helpful to go outside during these hours for a walk with a loved one, your dog (if you have one) or go for a drive somewhere.
Contact someone for support
If Halloween feels especially triggering, we would encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Additionally, our helpline is available on 0808 1000 900, and will be open until 9pm on the 31st, if you would like to speak with a friendly advisor for support.
We hope these tips are helpful for anyone feeling worried about Halloween and do not want to participate for any reason. Please feel free to share any other strategies that have worked for you!
Kind regards,
The Forum Team