Two Mandurah women tell us why they love or hate Halloween

Halloween is a contentious issue in Australia. For every person who enjoys the festivities, there is a person who does not. We spoke to two women about why they feel the way they do about Halloween.

FOR – Bronwyn Lines, Halls Head.

Once again the Halloween debate comes up – as it does every year – in our house we celebrate, we put decorations up, we dress up, we give out treats and yes we trick or treat.

At 5.30pm our friends and family meet at our home and we all go with our children door knocking.

This is the time of year we get to chat to our community members instead of the usual fleeting waves we give each other.

We get to know new neighbours and catch up with the old.

We have rules, our children must not knock on houses that have signs saying they do not participate, if a house has no decorations, knock once then leave.

If a home does not participate we say that’s ok not everyone does and we hope you have a lovely spring night.

Accepting everyone is different and has different views is an excellent way to bring up inclusive and kind children.

They must use their manners, say thankyou and please and ask how a neighbour is today.

Teaching social skills go hand in hand with stranger danger, Halloween is the only time for accepting gifts from strangers, while with an adult, we never go into a person’s home without our parents, and we learn to trust our gut when engaging with others.

We have also noted without prompting our children to share, that they share their goodies with each other, if they come across another child that doesn’t have as much they share their loot and heaven forbid any child walks past with nothing – they all dive into their buckets to even it out for everyone.

For us parents it’s a time to relax, smile at our kids and laugh at their antics, while not thinking about work, housework or worries.

Plus walking in the spring is nice in Mandurah.

Our country is a melting pot of cultures, a beautiful diverse range of dance, customs, and glorious food.

So to us embracing this tradition is a part of being Australian and being part of a sharing community and enjoying where we live.

Its a part of accepting those who take part and those who do not.

If you do not participate – don’t be a grump and don’t dampen my kids’ learning or fun.

Just put out a sign saying you don’t participate, we respect that and I teach my kids to respect your views, so show them you respect theirs as well.

AGAINST – Kellie Gardiner, Secret Harbour.

I don’t really have a major reason, I just don’t like it.

I think it is an American holiday brought to Australia by confectionary companies and people looking for an excuse to throw a party.

People say it’s a Celtic tradition, but until now it hasn’t been a tradition in Australia.

Is Australia just the sheep that follows the rest of the world?

With the obesity epidemic in children becoming worse we shouldn’t encourage them to beg for copious amounts of lollies.

I also have concerns about safety – I don’t feel comfortable with kids walking alone and knocking on stranger’s doors.