For many years there have been events held in our local area on Hallowe’en. We have participated each October, handing out sweets and other goodies to children when they knock at the door.

However, my children are now too old to go trick or treating and I don't feel like we should have to spend our money to pay for others.

I got into a heated argument with my neighbour about this, they say I am in the wrong as my children benefited for many years. Should I relent and take part in the festivities?

HK, Reigate

As the dark evenings draw in, Hallowe’en can be a great excuse for the local community to gather and enjoy some family fun.

For decades young children have knocked on the doors of their neighbours to ask “trick or treat?” and be given some sweets or chocolate. Small children enjoy dressing up as a spooky ghost or scary monster and being rewarded with a small treat from a kindly neighbour.

However, the cost of Hallowe’en is spiralling. Retail research group Mintel estimated that £419m was spent by Brits celebrating Hallowe’en in 2019, 5pc higher than the previous year.

It is for this reason that many people like yourself have taken a step back to ask whether this is a necessary expense. With the costly Christmas season on the horizon, few people want to waste cash unnecessarily.