Outsmarting the Extortionists

The horror of Halloween is upon us again. Somewhere out there in the dark night, devilish creatures are preparing to work their mischief. Try as you might to hide in the warmth and security of your home, they'll find you. Making the cold and blustery October night their own, they appear at your door as if from nowhere and shout 'trick or treat'.

Anyone spotted the band wagon yet? Yes, that's right, a quaint American custom that really ought to be left on that side of the Atlantic. For centuries the only people on these shores who noted the occasion were witches and a few people who are scared of the dark. Then slowly, toy manufacturers began to discover how to make a profit out of it.

Now we're plagued with little horrors ringing the bell and holding their hands out for sweets or money. Hovering back in the darkness are their doting parents who have spent the max on ready made costumes in order to avoid any actual effort.

I'm not sure it's really healthy to be teaching such young children to extort money or goods by menacing householders on their doorstep.

At WoodyHill we have come up with a strategy to discourage the annual irritation. We offer our little visitors a Satsuma each with a pumpkin like face drawn on it. The look of disappointment on their painted faces is a joy to behold. Some, obviously unfamiliar with the concept of eating fruit, don't even know what it is. The parents on the other hand mostly see it as a novel and thoughtful alternative to sweets.

I don't recall ever seeing the same kids two years in a row.