4 Tips To Be Kind When Opting Out Of Halloween

Many Muslim (and Christian) families choose not to celebrate Halloween. We are one such family who opted out of Halloween even during our pre-baby era. Read here why we chose not to take part in halloween. Halloween is fun for many. When choosing not to participate in the Halloween festivities, we still want to be considerate of those who still enjoy the holiday and its many traditions. After all, kindness is a great virtue of Islam.

We moved to a new neighborhood last year and this community has a facebook book page and a whatsApp group, so it’s easy for me to let parents know ahead that there will not be any candy at ours but the children are welcome to come by at a later day for treats. However, many don’t have this option. For those of you, there are a few ways to do this.  Here’s 4 tips that I have graciously used to keep away trick or treaters in the past.

1. It’s a no brainer, but don’t set the scene. A house that is not decorated with spider web and scarecrow will be a good indication to neighborhood children that you’re simply not in the Halloween mood.

2. Alert Trick or Treaters Politely. The universal “we don’t celebrate Halloween” signal is the turned-off porch light, and it usually works. Most will take the hint that you’re not participating.

3. You may still have an eager child brave the dark and walk up to your door even when your light is turned off. A simple note that says “Sorry, no treat here” in the front door is a polite way to steer trick-or-treaters away from your door. We’ve made one sign for you that you can just print and hang on your door.  Click here to find the free door sign. Then print and hang on your front door.

4. Make yourself unavailable. Go out to dinner with your family, or spend a few quiet hours at a bookstore or the library. This way, you will avoid having to answer the door or be interrupted by the sound of the bell ringing or knocking. Just make sure that every light is off and windows/doors locked.

Be a gracious neighbor when turning away trick-or-treaters. Avoid feuds with neighbors and other visitors to your home by being as nice as possible. If you want to go an extra miles, after two to three weeks past Halloween, leave a bowl of candies by the door and invite the neighborhood children for a treat.