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Halloween is quickly approaching and I am planning my celebration in Marseille, last year being my first one here. Normally, I and my sister-in-law make a party in Le Tholonet with all the kids and visit the neighbors who know the game plan. Even though the candy is usually of the vintage date and the costumes of the french kids are slap-happily put together with black-facepaint and torn clothes, I get a little nostalgic for the days when pumpkins and ghouls abounded in every neighborhood and the competition for best costume was fierce.
Last year, after Caroline (my sister-in-law) started a big move to Poland, I resorted to putting together something similar in my neighborhood. Pumpkin, check, Ghoulish sweets, check, knocking on my neighbors doors....erhhh....there was the problem.

I found that many didn't know of the holiday or why they should give candy at all. It was an uncomfortable situation and I tried to figure out what I did wrong in my approach since I knew that not all of these people could have not noticed all the gaudy costumes blanketing the stores. Asking a few expats and Halloween-lovers here in France gave me some clarity and helped me plan ahead. The New York Times featured a great story, "Pumpkin Eaters" on the French's tolerance of Halloween which is not to be missed, not only for the great pumkin risotto recipe, but for some insight into the celebration's perception here.
This year's party I am giving fair warning to my French friends and neighbors so they won't be suprised by sweet-toothed gremlins popping-in unannounced and stealing whatever old bon bons they have lying around. For the others less familiar or eager to part with their candy, I am supplying all in advance in which they will hand out to my kids when they come trick-or-treating. Since I live in a very friendly building, I think it will be a much more manageable and rewarding Halloween experience. Also, you prempt the meet-and-greet formalities of your request before the candy hand-off and give them an opportunity to ask questions about the tradition.  It also gives you an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and practice your french unimpeded by the tugs from those little ghouls hungry for more candy.  Hopefully bringing a little bit of spooky joy to all...