I think Halloween’s an absolute con – I refuse to give sweets out or spend £50 on mouldy pumpkins, says Cara De La Hoyde
Scroll down for tips on how to save money this Halloween
HALLOWEEN is almost here, but not everyone is feeling in the spooky spirit.
Former Love Island and podcast host Cara De La Hoyde revealed why she would be avoiding the festivities this year.
On a recent episode of her podcast , Cara explained why she had chosen to opt out of Halloween.
She listed a series of reasons why she is not a fan of the spooky holiday.
“I don’t mind when people trick-or-treat at houses that are decorated but I have this absolute bugbear and it does my brain in,” the mum-of-two explained.
“All I ever think about is dear old girls and old couples that live on their own and you’ve got all them teenagers that go and knock on their door, it takes them 10 minutes to get to the door, bless them.
“They’re probably absolutely s**tting themselves because someone has knocked on there door when it’s dark outside, I hate it.”
Cara went on to call out the American Halloween traditions that have become popularised in the UK.
Speaking about visiting pumpkin patches, she said: “I’m not doing it, I think it’s an absolute con, we don’t live in America. All these things, we don’t live in America.
“We’re not doing pumpkin picking this year, I’ve decide because it’s too messy, the kids get cold, it’s too busy, there’s people everywhere.”
Cara revealed that the inevitable mess made the activity not worthwhile for her.
“They run, they fall over, they get muddy, I can’t be bothered with it,” she continued.
“Then I’ve got all the wellies in my car, I’ve got all the wellies outside my house.”
She added that the expense of Halloween has also gotten out of hand.
“Then I’m spending £50 on pumpkins that we’re not even going to do nothing with,” Cara pointed out.
“And then by the time I’ve remembered they’re outside my house, they’ve gone mouldy so then I have to clear them up.
“My kids are such tramps that I can’t do anything that involves mess because it sets off my anxiety.”
How to save on Halloween
CUT-OUTS WON’T KEEP: Once carved, pumpkins last just three to five days before they start to rot. So wait until a day or two before Halloween to carve yours, to ensure you won’t have to buy a replacement.
CHILLING CARVINGS: Carve your pumpkin right first time. Download free templates from Hobbycraft to help ensure no slip-ups.
DEVILISHY CHEAP DECORATIONS: Create spooky spider webs using old string or rope.
PAY LESS FOR FACE PAINTS: Cut costs by using your old eyeliners and eyeshadows, and dab on some talc when you need a ghostly white shade.
CUT-PRICE CANDY: Before you buy sweets to give out as treats, clear out your cupboards and see what you have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
PETRIFYING POT LUCK: Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to your party to keep hosting costs down.
SPINE-CHILLING TUNES: Turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes.
HOLD A SPOOKY SWISH: Swishing — or clothes-swapping with friends — is an easy way to get a new wardrobe. Hold a spooky swish before Halloween to trade costumes for kids and adults.
FRIGHTENING FREEBIES: Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas.
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: Don’t fork out for expensive fake blood. Make your own edible version instead. You can use it for cakes and to decorate costumes.
SHOP ON NOV 1: Be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
She shared her laid back plans for celebrating Halloween without a fuss.
And there won’t be any trick or treaters, as savvy Cara pretends she isn’t home/
“I’m going to turn the lights off, I’m really lucky because we live in the woods so we haven’t even got a street outside our house, which is fantastic,” Cara said.
“I hate fireworks as well, I hate people with fireworks in their garden, it wakes my kids up, my dog can’t stand it, I just don’t like it.
“We’re really lucky because our friend lives behind Brands Hatch so what we do every year is, from his garden, you can see the fireworks, you can literally hear the music, that’s how near he is.
“So we have a party in his garden, that’s what we’re doing this year as well and then we watch the fireworks at Brands Hatch.
“It’s great because we’re at his house, we can sit inside if it’s cold, and then everyone’s going to bring jacket potatoes and chilli, I said I’ll bring some desserts.”
