So how did you react on the night of the 31st of October when you heard that knock on the door and realised it was Halloween? Did you turn the lights off and pretend you weren’t home…did you greet them with anticipation, enjoying their costumes and offering a pre-arranged basket of lollies….or were you caught unawares and decided a banana or apple would be good for them! When I was a kid, Halloween was strictly an American holiday in Nelson, but things have rapidly changed since then. The opportunity seen by retailers was obviously too great to miss out on, so it’s seen all through most of the major retailers now. We also now have a generation of parents coming through who remember looking out the window in envy – not being allowed to go trick or treating and they’re letting their kids embrace it. Some Kiwi Families are just enjoying other related activities instead http://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/halloween/. I must admit I was fascinated watching Facebook and seeing the many different opinions expressed in this hotly contested debate. Some were appalled at the children who turned up unaccompanied at the open door, just stood there and didn’t say anything with their baskets out, without having gone to much effort. Others were quite chuffed having taken their scarily dressed kids out trick or treating for the first time – ensuring they used their manners, finding the need to handle disappointment with a smile and a ‘that’s fine, thanks anyway’ a good lesson for them, and a great opportunity to meet or catch up with others in your neighbourhood. And I guess that’s where I see the benefit. It can be a great opportunity to build on that neighbourhood feel if it’s done appropriately, but it can be an easy way to offend neighbours too. So, until New Zealand fully embraces Halloween, why not have a note at the gate inviting trick or treaters in, or come to an agreement with a few houses on the street to reciprocate for each other’s kids. Or if it still goes against the grain, join your neighbourhood Saints and Angels carnival (a free Halloween alternative) at the Richmond Baptist Church instead. The same could be done for the upcoming Guy Fawkes too…perhaps get in touch with your neighbours and all agree on one night for fireworks – that way you’re all outside and you can enjoy each other’s firework sights. It’s just one late night for the kids, not three in a row. And if you’re not a fan you can make sure you’re out for a few hours and/or your animals are inside. So why not use these debatable celebrations as an opportunity, to improve your neighbourhood relations, and make your street a great place to live! https://www.neighbourly.co.nz/ And you never know, it might boost your Real Estate value too.
About the Author: The above article on Halloween in New Zealand was written and provided by Brent Palmer, a local leader in the field of Richmond and Nelson Real Estate sales, marketing, advanced technology for home selling, and social media.
You can contact Brent Palmer here, or at 027 544 9921. He has helped many people buy and sell homes in the Nelson, Stoke and Richmond areas for years, and would love the opportunity to help you as well.
Thinking of selling your home? I have a real passion for helping people sell their homes in our Nelson and Tasman Region, as well as the marketing, social media & advanced technology for home selling that goes along with it. I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with you discuss how we can work together to get you the best price.
I help people buy and sell real estate in the following Nelson and Tasman towns & neighbourhoods: Wakefield, Brightwater, Hope, Appleby, Redwood Valley, Mapua, Stoke, Tahunanui, Atawhai and of course, Richmond and Nelson City.
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