A third of Brits think Halloween has ‘gone too far’ and a quarter say it’s too scary to join in
NEW research has found that a third of British adults think graphic Halloween decorations have gone too far.
The survey found that most Brits opt for a more light-hearted approach to the occasion.
A poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Halloween found 33% "go all out" by transforming their front gardens with cute, family-friendly decorations, rather than creepy clowns and bloody body parts.
In fact, 35% of those surveyed said they think Halloween gore has gone too far.
With playful pumpkins at 51%, cosy candles at 34%, and string lights a 32% topping the list of popular decorations.
The research was commissioned by M&M’s, which is decorating the doorway of one superfan with cute decorations for the spooky season.
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Nicki Rodgiuez, from Ongar, Essex, was the selected as the lucky homeowner selected.
“As part of my job, I have a side hustle decorating the inside of homes for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas," said Nicki.
“I go all out for Halloween inside my own home, but I never have time to do the outside, so this would be 'perfect,' a 'dream come true,' and a 'nice change.'"
The 48-year-old said she "totally relates to the trend of wanting more fun and friendly Halloween decorations."
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“My son has autism, so I avoid gory or scary decor myself, and I notice my clients prefer nice, friendly decorations as well," she explained.
The study also found nearly a quarter of people said they’d be more likely to participate in the spooky season if it was less scary.
The same amount would be more likely to visit a home that was decorated with more family-friendly themes.
On average, people spend £56 on Halloween decorations, with creepy cobwebs at 30%, friendly ghosts at 29%, and spooky skeletons at 28% also deeming popular.
One in 10 people said they can feel uncomfortable or put off when they see creepy or scary decorations.
Almost half of those polled claim their friends and family are their motivation to put up Halloween decorations, while 46% just love to celebrate the season.
It was also found 36% will likely be going trick or treating themselves this year and 23% love answering the door and interacting with trick or treaters.
Halloween statistics
Research commissioned by M&M's asked British adults how they celebrate Halloween.
- 33% "go all out" by transforming their gardens and homes with decorations.
- 35% said Halloween gore has gone too far.
- One in 10 people feel uncomfortable with scary decorations.
- Almost half said their friends and family are the reason they decorate.
- 46% said they just love to celebrate the spooky season.
- 36% said they will go trick or treating.
- 23% said they love answering the door to trick or treaters.
- 30% said they enjoy carving pumpkins on Halloween nights.
- A quarter said they enjoy baking Halloween treats.
- 23% decorate their homes for Halloween.
The ideal Halloween night is carving pumpkins for 30%, while nearly a quarter enjoy spending their evenings baking Halloween treats and 23% decorate their homes.
“Halloween should be for everyone, not just those who love the gruesome and gore," said Sophia Padt, Mars Wrigley’s head of Halloween fun.
“We hope to encourage more people to participate and create some entertaining memories along the way.”
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Mars Wrigley has partnered with Ring doorbell to bring back the playful spirit of Halloween.
Other popular decor among those surveyed included festive banners or signs, autumnal displays, scary window signs such as peering eyes or shadows, and harvest-themed wreaths.
