Redditor Puts Up A “No Candy” Sign For Halloween Because They Don’t Celebrate And Visitors Freak Out Their Dogs, Asks If It Is Against Social Norms

"Even after I added 'Sorry, no candy' they still acted like I had offended God."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• January 2, 2023

Trick-or-treating is a Halloween activity that is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It involves children dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door in their neighborhoods, asking for treats (such as candy) by saying "trick or treat."

But what to do if you don't celebrate or want to participate in the festivities? How do you let the kids know?

One Reddit user asked, "AITA for wanting to put up a sign on Halloween?" OP's parents didn't want to buy candy or have kids come over this Halloween.

Also, ringing the doorbell freaks out their dogs. Well, freaks out one dog, and the other dog gets scared of the first one.

So, OP wanted to put up a "No Candy" sign. They believed it was the best way to deter visitors. However, their parents were against it because they thought it was rude.

OP admits it is blunt, but they wanted a sign that's easy to read and understand. It took three people knocking on the door to make them change their minds.

OP even added, "Sorry," and now asks if there is some social taboo. Read the full story and what other Redditors had to say about it:

OP asks:

OP's parents didn't want to buy candy or have kids come over this Halloween. Also, ringing the doorbell freaks out their dogs

However, their parents were against it because they thought it was rude.

It took three people knocking on the door to make them change their minds.

OP even added "Sorry"

OP asks if there is some social taboo.

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:

NTA, but the "No candy" sign is a little bit blunt

They have a rule in Australia. No decorations - do not bother

Many have fond childhood memories of wearing costumes and trick or treating with their friends

Many people in the US don't decorate their houses, but still hand out candy.

"If they're not participating, houses will usually have their porch light off"

This Redditor thinks that a sign is not a bad idea

OP says

Some believe that rules don't apply to them

There are a few different ways you can let people know that you are not celebrating Halloween:

• Put a sign on your door or in your window indicating that you are not participating in Halloween. This will let trick-or-treaters know not to knock on your door.
• Turn off your porch light or use a low-wattage bulb. This is a common signal that a household is not participating in Halloween and does not want trick-or-treaters.
• Stay inside and keep your lights off. This will make it clear that you are not expecting trick-or-treaters.
• If you are expecting visitors who are celebrating Halloween, let them know beforehand that you are not participating in the holiday.
• If you are out and about and are approached by trick-or-treaters, you can simply say, "I'm sorry, we're not participating in Halloween this year," and politely decline to give out treats.

It's important to be respectful of others' beliefs and traditions and to be understanding if someone does not want to participate in Halloween.

Damjan