Personally I'd rather be grabbed by the ghoulies than give sweets to the snivelling brats knocking on my door groaning out 'trick or treat', who I'll no doubt have to cope with this week.

It's been the same old rubbish for years. As soon as September's over all the shops are jam-packed with Halloween "goodies" including a variety of sweets (shaped as pumpkins/witches/heathens of the underworld) and random items which just fly off the shelves - what Halloween would be complete without a pumpkin outfit for your three-month-old?

I hate the festival with a real passion. I don't remember all this fuss when I was a kid, perhaps my mum didn't think it was suitable to knock on strangers' doors and ask for treats? I also doubt I'd have been encouraged to then egg their windows if they gave me an unsuitable gift, or if they had the cheek to be out when I called round.

When I have kids I certainly won't be allowing them to start a mini-protection racket on the 31st of each October - which is essentially all trick or treat is.

The only way to avoid hearing ungrateful brats shrieking through the letter box is to go out for the night. Of course, if you try and arrange anything you'll probably be dragged along an appalling Halloween party where everyone's bought cheap and nasty costumes to look spooky.

I am yet to see an outfit that's convincing or looks nice on anyone. What exactly are we supposed to be celebrating anyway? Made up creatures? Devil worship? If we're going to have a day where everyone can dress up and be merry why can't it be based around something more wholesome than killing and casting spells?

We've gone batty for Halloween over recent years. Personally I blame those rubbish Simpsons Halloween Specials and Channel 4 for ramming them down our throats every year. Let the American's do it if they like, can't we just stick to bonfire night instead? At least that actually represents something.