No Tricks, No Treats — And That’s Okay: How to Handle Halloween If You’re Not Celebrating

October rolls around and suddenly pumpkins are everywhere, supermarkets look like costume departments, and your WhatsApp parent group is full of talk about trick-or-treat routes. But what if you’re just… not feeling it this year?

Maybe your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween for cultural, religious or personal reasons. Maybe you’re simply exhausted at the idea of one more thing on the already endless parenting to-do list. Whatever your reason, it’s perfectly okay to skip Halloween — and it doesn’t make you a killjoy or a “mean mum.”

Here’s how to handle it without guilt (or tantrums).

1. Start with honesty, not fear.

Kids are smart. If you try to avoid the topic, they’ll notice. Instead, explain calmly: “We’re not celebrating Halloween this year, but that’s okay — different families do different things.” Simple, clear, and respectful of other people’s choices too.

2. Offer an alternative.

You don’t have to hand out sweets to join the fun. You could:

• Have a cosy “movie and popcorn night” at home.

• Bake together — pumpkin muffins, ghost-shaped cookies, or just brownies with extra sprinkles.

• Do a “kindness night” where you make little treats for neighbours or pets.

• Host a “light night” — light candles, share stories, and celebrate autumn in your own way.

It’s all about replacing the excitement, not removing it.

3. Manage expectations gently.

If your child’s friends are trick-or-treating, they might feel left out. That’s normal. Acknowledge it: “I know it looks fun, and it’s okay to wish you could go — but we’re choosing something different this time.” Empathy goes a long way here.

4. Keep it kind with other parents.

You don’t owe anyone an essay about your choice. If people ask, a simple “We don’t do Halloween, but we hope everyone has fun!” keeps things gracious and drama-free.

5. Remember: family culture > outside pressure.

Kids remember traditions, not decorations. Whether you spend the evening carving pumpkins or playing Uno in your PJs, what matters is the connection, not the calendar.

So light a candle, switch off the doorbell, and relax knowing you’re doing what’s right for your family. After all, the scariest thing about Halloween shouldn’t be the guilt trip.