Thread: What the Frick Do People Have Against Halloween?

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I mean seriously? It's good to know there are some people out there having Halloween parties that are raging successes but it seems to me that there are even MORE of us hosting big fat flops. And not for any shortcomings of our own but because our guests flake out, usually at the last minute and without notice too.

It's a party. We want to feed you, entertain you, give you booze, and have your company while we celebrate our favorite holiday. It's not friggin jury duty.

Last year was the first Halloween party we had in about 4 years due to getting married and buying a house in that span. We called it a "house haunting" party. I had 40 people RSVP as definite yes's and in the end we only had about 20 guests. Turned out it was a good size for our small house (and the fact that we were having a monsoon outside which eliminated the option of spilling out onto the deck) BUT every last guest was gone by 11pm. It was SO embarassing. I've NEVER had a party end before midnight. I was so hurt by the no-shows, those that said they just flat our weren't coming for the typically lame X, Y, and Z reasons, and the early departures that I cried whenever I thought about it for weeks.

Where did I go wrong? Our invitations were superb, and I even mentioned in them that costumes were NOT required (because I know times are financially tough for everyone and I wanted as many people to come celebrate with us as possible).

Now I'm dreading passing out the invites to this year's party. What if I get NO's from most of last years yes's? It will only confirm my suspicion that it was a lame party, and my feelings will be hurt and the tears will start flowing even before the decorations go up. But I simply can't imagine NOT having a party...it's the only way I can celebrate Halloween since we live in the boonies and don't even get 1 TOT'er on the big day.

I was glad to find this forum to know that I am in good company but I really would like to know...what the eff do people have against Halloween parties?

Wow, sounds like you put your heart & soul into it. It would probably be safe to say that the 20 "yes"-es would most likely come again this year. Maybe this would be a good year to focus more on decor and TOTs, and have a nice party, just not so huge. Invite those that came, and scale your party & expectations back a little bit.

Can't vouch for most, but we can't afford a babysitter for more than a 3 hours, so maybe that had a hand in the party breaking up early. And unfortunately, there's always going to be those that will blow it off as, 'just a silly party', even though you've put major blood, sweat & tears into the effort. Please don't let them get you down. It's their loss!

I hope it helps. Good luck whatever you do this year!

I'd come if I happened to be invited...

Seriously, I don't know. I think many people are just too self-absorbed to worry about anyone else's feelings. It's not so much how many folks show, it's how many good ones make it there, enjoy themselves, and appreciate all of your hard work.

I've had some good Halloween parties that were packed and loud and crazy, and I've had some where only a handful of people showed up. What it comes down to is, it really doesn't matter how many show, but that you rocked it anyway and had some serious fun. Halloween may not be for everyone, only the best ones...

Dont forget those whose faith see us as the devil worshiper... I lost a best friend because of that argument. I have strong faith in God, never doubted him, but the so-call best friend pretty much called me the devil worshipper becuz I celebrated Halloween full on. My sister and my two closes friends were soo mad at the best friend and let me tell you these people celebrat Christmas and the meaning of Easter and have grand time with the Halloween party.


So HexMe, DO NOT WORRY!!! its their fault that they cant come over and apprea. the effort and time you made for the party and they are sure as HECK missing the fun. My sister and I do no even worry about the ones whom cant come. We and the guests are having a blast and so should you.
:]

Invite the ones that DID show for this year and find some new blood.
Keep them engaged during the party with games. Keep the booze flowing so they continue to be engaged in the party and save the prizes till midnight if you want to keep them around longer.

Hope this year is better for you. Size doesnt really matter, you just need a handful of fun people to make a great party!

MsM

I agree there loss.Def keep the booze and great music flowing.Music is great people really respond to it.

Don't let them get you down. When we first started having our parties. So many flaked out on us and we are use to people telling us they are coming and then give excuses. Don't Care! We have the party for US and any that show, then the ones that do come tell everyone what it was like and bammmmmmm! thank god we have a big back yard. So what is comes down to enjoy it for You! Build it ,, and they will come.. One thing I do is allow people to bring there kids and friends so they know people and as the years go by they are all starting to be halloween friends.

Originally Posted by whichypoo

the ones that do come tell everyone what it was like and bammmmmmm!
Build it ,, and they will come.. One thing I do is allow people to bring there kids and friends so they know people and as the years go by they are all starting to be halloween friends.

i'd agree with the above... Im not a regular Halloween goer but Im trying to get into it. (Im in the UK where we're all boring %$"£(*&!

I believe with anything, you have to persevere, play to your strengths and 'manage' your weaknesses. IE: invite the people who did come, and offer then to invite their friends, Im sure eventually you'll have a housefull of likeminded people.

Originally Posted by Mister P

i'd agree with the above... Im not a regular Halloween goer but Im trying to get into it. (Im in the UK where we're all boring %$"£(*&!

You aint seen boring till you've seen the dutch. Took me a long time to 'work in' our dutch guests