Halloween confuses me. It’s just not that big of a deal at home. Nobody dresses up or decorates their homes, the way that films tell me North American people do. I’d probably miss it altogether if it weren’t for the strange decorations popping up in supermarkets and card shops. Which is odd in itself, seeing as there doesn’t appear to be such a thing as a Halloween card.

You might get the odd trick or treater, but there’s a very good chance they won’t be dressed up. There’s also a reasonable chance that they’ll be 14 years old and looking for an excuse to egg your house. I never went myself. The main reason for which being that my mum thinks it’s rude to go round asking for sweets. I’m not sure she gets the point. I’m not completely sure that I do either to be honest.

I tend to spend my Halloween evening in much the same way as most other British people. With the lights off and the curtains closed. If you break this cardinal rule in the evasion of trick or treaters; it’s necessary to hit the floor as soon as you hear the doorbell ring and not move until you’re absolutely sure that they’re gone. At which point, you proceed directly to the closing your curtains and sitting in the dark part of the plan.

But lots of people here have told me it’s their favourite holiday, so I’ve decided to get into the spirit of things. I’m going to dress up, go trick or treating and then head out on the town. I’ve hit a few stumbling blocks though. For instance, I’m pretty sure that most people wouldn’t want to give candy to a 23 year old trick or treater. I’m reasonably sure I can find a way around this one though.

I’m also stumped on what to dress up as. I like to think I’m a bit of a dab hand at the old fancy dress. But I’ve seen photos from previous years, and I definitely need to raise my game.

I also feel the need to create some suitably Halloween-y confections for the treat seeking ghouls knocking on my door. Possibly I’ll make toffee apples and bake a delicious pie with the scooped out innards of my flat’s new jack-o-lantern decor. Suggestions would be welcomed.