Country Kids - Trick or Treating

We were so excited about Halloween this year.  At three and a half, it was the first year we'd decided to take Ruby out trick or treating.

Last year she absolutely loved it when the kids came knocking, and dutifully held out the basket for them to fill up on chocolates.

However, we've moved to a new area and I really wasn't sure whether trick or treating was de rigueur here or not.  On my trips to and fro to nursery and out and about I hadn't spotted one single house decorated for Halloween, however, the supermarket had completely sold out of trick or treat sweets - so they must do it, right?

We braved the cold, and all dressed up.  What a scary bunch!

We wrestled with our unfeasibly large pumpkin lantern...

We stuck to the quieter back streets and only called on those houses with pumpkin lanterns on the doorstep.  There were some incredibly well decorated houses.

It was a lovely evening, walking in the fresh air and talking about our day.  We looked at the moon and talked about the stars.  Ruby did really well and it was great to see her confidence increasing with each door we knocked on (we were standing right next to her, but even saying 'trick or treat' was hard for her the first few times).

She absolutely loved it - and not just because she got treats!  She loved seeing all the other children dressed up, loved spending time outdoors at night, and loved her extended time with Daddy - she normally goes to bed pretty much as he gets in from work.

I know a lot of people don't approve of trick or treating.  But as long as children are accompanied, not harassing vulnerable people or playing pranks on people, where's the harm...

*waits for everyone to tell me it's begging and celebrating the black arts yadda yadda...*