It really is that easy. UK here so our equivalent to HOAs is far less restrictive but does cover the entire country.

Usually if someone doesn't have decorations out they are left alone, if they do then they probably have sweets to give out. Which sweets is entirely up to them.

Some schools arrange trails which seems pretty nice.

So first off I don't live in a country that celebrates halloween, so I might not understand all the hubbub.

I do however have kids that have attended school with less fortunate kids. So I have it ingrained in me that I don't want to alienate said kids. It's not a matter of telling you not to do what you want, it's a matter of the poor kids being able to go to school without being bullied.

As I tried to indicate in my original comment, I think it's overreaching of the HOA to do this, but it may actually come from the right place.

Anyway why do you need to get so upset?