Halloween is the one time of year when all the family can get together, dress up in silly costumes and walk around the streets accosting strangers with menaces and threats – and get away with it!

Yes, we’re talking about that fine old Halloween tradition of Trick or Treat.

So, here you are, dressed up in your Skeleton Fancy Dress costume, or whatever your favourite spooky outfit may be, ready to go and collect as much Halloween candy as you can.

But have you ever spared a thought for those whose doors you will be knocking on? Surely everyone enjoys joining in with the traditional fun?

Well, actually, no.

So many people dread the approach of Halloween night as they know that their evening will be interrupted multiple times by youngsters demanding candy with menaces.

The inconvenience of answering their door time after time is one thing, but many older or nervous householders genuinely can’t handle the sight of groups of scarily dressed kids, all delighting in being frightening in return for a sweet reward.

Most householders put up with the interruptions of their meals or relaxation time – even if they have had a long and tiring day at the office. Many can remember how much fun they had as kids at Halloween and trade their annoyance for the knowledge that they are helping make good memories for other people’s children.

But what if a family genuinely can’t afford to lay in vast stocks of candy to ward off eggs or flour being thrown at their windows? What then?

So this Halloween, if you intend going Trick or Treating, spare a thought for those who genuinely don’t, or can’t, share the fun of the night. Go easy on them, have fun yourself but accept that not everyone loves to find youngsters wearing Skeleton Fancy Dress or ghoulish costumes knocking at their door at Halloween.