Important 'Halloween code' you must follow if you don't want any trick or treaters to knock on your door

Although we've been stocking up on sweets, decorating the front door and prepping our fancy dress for weeks, not everyone is into Halloween.

Some people choose to turn the lights off, shut the curtains and avoid answering the door, which is totally fine.

And if that's you, then you need to read about a special 'code' that explains how you can let trick or treaters know that you're not participating this year.

Not everyone is into Halloween (Getty Stock Image)

Over on Reddit, one person shared a post asking whether others answer their doors to trick or treaters, or if they pretend not to be in.

They wrote: "First Halloween in a new estate where everyone mainly keeps to themselves. At a bit of a loss what to do, I've no kids myself and live alone. Is it bad form to hide away?"

People had mixed responses and while some people were all for dressing up and handing out sweets, others were less keen.

One person commented: "We should celebrate kids being kids and acknowledge the effort they go to to dress up. I have great memories from going around in the 90s trick or treating and then heading to the bonfire after with a heap of sweets. They were the best of times."

Meanwhile another said: "I don't decorate for it, keep the lights off and the doors locked. The fireworks stress my dogs out enough without the door being knocked 50 times in 2 hours."

The general rule is if a house is decorated, you can knock (Getty Stock Photo)

Another person pointed out that there was a 'code' people could use to help them understand if a house was open to trick or treaters.

One person wrote: "Does everyone not use the Halloween code? No decorations and no lights on means you’re not taking trick or treaters... if the house is decorated, then it’s ok to knock."

And another agreed, adding: "This is the correct answer. Put up zero decorations and you have every right to ignore callers."

And a third said: "Have kids and 100% confirm this is the code. I tell them lights off, no decor = give them peace. Decorated and lit means ring that bell!"

A fourth pointed out that it's a generally accepted rule, adding: "I think most people have grasped it, if a house has decorations up and lights on they’re open for people coming to the door.

"If you’ve no decorations and lights on people will normally just walk past.

"Nothing to feel bad about, neighbours will probably just think you’re gone out for the night, it’s really no hassle.

"Sit in and get yourself a takeaway and relax! It’s what I’ll be doing."

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