YMG...quite right at 13:14
I remember bringing Halloween stuff back from visiting my friends in New Hampshire, for my nephews in the early 80's. But nobody knew what to do with it come the 31st, so it stayed at the back of my brothers garage ! You have just proved that its a Americanism, and its relatively new for us Brits.
I'm not against the kids having fun but its just that a lot of them around my way haven't really grasped how to do it properly. I am pestered every year, days before the 31st by kids begging at the front door, When I point out that it isn't for another few days, they don't really understand and just want the sweets !