Thought to have originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain, Halloween heralds the turn of the seasons as autumn creeps into winter and the nights get longer.

Many children love the chance to dress in a ghoulish outfit before heading to the neighbours, accompanied by a grown up, for a Trick or Treat surprise.

Of course, it’s unlikely that all children will be supervised and the last thing you want is someone letting them into your block to bother everyone.

Have a word with your neighbours and decide on your policy: is it to welcome them but only at the front door? Or ignore them?

The correct etiquette for trick or treating is only to go to a property with a pumpkin on display.  So, if you don’t want visitors it’s a good idea to hold off buying one this year – or at least don’t display it where it can be seen from outside.

Most supermarkets sell large bags of sweets or chocolates so there’s no need to spend more than a couple of pounds on treats. If you do want to join in the fun, one great idea from the website Mumsnet is to leave a hollowed pumpkin outside the building and fill it with sweets. One contributor to the site even suggested filling it with jelly first and telling the kids to feel around the pumpkin’s brains to find their treats!

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The sole purpose of this article is to provide guidance on the issues covered. This article is not intended to give legal advice, and, accordingly, it should not be relied upon. It should not be regarded as a comprehensive statement of the law and/or market practice in this area. We make no claims as to the completeness or accuracy of the information contained herein or in the links which were live at the date of publication. You should not act upon (or should refrain from acting upon) information in this publication without first seeking specific legal and/or specialist advice. Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited trading as Deacon accepts no liability for any inaccuracy, omission or mistake in this publication, nor will we be responsible for any loss which may be suffered as a result of any person relying on the information contained herein.

Reviewed 23/06/2023- NR