Father creates Halloween map to prevent awkward doorstep visits

Morten Christensen has created an online map where households can sign up to show they are ready to hand out sweets on Halloween, DR reports. The aim is to help children avoid knocking on doors where residents are unprepared.

Christensen, who lives in Vorning near Viborg, said his children had visited homes where people were not expecting trick-or-treaters. The encounters became awkward for both sides, and the children might end up being given 10 kroner instead, he said.

He said carved pumpkins and illuminated decorations do not necessarily mean that residents have sweets ready. His daughters, aged nine and 11, are keen on Halloween and have already started planning who to go with and where to visit.

About 25 households in Vorning and neighbouring Hammershøj have registered on the interactive map so far. A caption accompanying the map says 30 households have signed up, most of them in the two towns.

Christensen said he was not a big Halloween fan, describing it as commercial, but added that the occasion helps bring the small village community together. Residents can register their homes on his website, Mortenchristensen.dk.