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Halloween is a difficult time for Christian and Non-Christian families alike. Many parents have decided that Halloween isn't a custom they want their families to participate in, but this creates a conflict for us because our society promotes Halloween with such zeal!
In our part of the world, this is especially true because Halloween is very BIG indeed! So the question is, how do we handle Halloween in a way that neither conflicts with our convictions, or unfairly penalize our children? Here are a few suggestions:
Provide a Halloween alternative at your church. Get the kids to dress up like Biblical characters, award prizes for best costume, play games, and pray for those who use Halloween to worship the darkness.
While our children don't go out, or get dressed up, we don't expect them to merely "take it like a man". Instead of just taking something away, we provide replacement activities. Usually there is a Halloween party at school, so we let the children stay home and then we go out for dinner and a movie. Halloween has become a family time that our children really enjoy. We also let them take turns handing out the candy Halloween night. They enjoy trying to guess who their friends are and get excited about having the responsibility of being "keepers of the candy".
Why would we hand out candy, if we're so opposed to Halloween? Well, to be honest with you, there have been times that we just wouldn't be home, or wouldn't answer the door, but I think we've come up with a better way to deal with Halloween. You see, if we just refuse to hand out candy, we are sending a message to those in the community that don't have our convictions, that we are a strange unfriendly family who doesn't care about their children. But, if we hand out candy and include an upbeat message about Jesus, then we are looked at as strange friendly people! As a result, we are redeeming the night with a message of light.
We carefully explain to our children why we don't participate as a family, and we instruct our boys to be very careful about telling others how to celebrate Halloween. If someone asks them why they don't go out, they are to give a polite answer and leave it at that--they are not judge or point fingers. We let our example speak for us, and understand that there are others who have different opinions than we do about Halloween, and that's fine.
In the past, I have gone out with a friend of mine who began a "Light The Night" campaign. He and I, and a few others, would go door to door handing out tracts that talk about Satans' tricks and God's best treat (Jesus). We would simply introduce ourselves and say, we have a treat for you, and hand them the tract and be on our way. Hey, what better night can you think of for going door to door and introducing people to your church and our Lord? After all, they are duty bound to open the door! This activity is also a faith builder for anyone who is handing out the tracts! BONUS!
A lady by the name of Karen sent in this wonderful suggestion: 'I have signs on my property that have catchy Halloween sayings like: "Let Jesus fill the Hollow" or "No Trick, God's Treat is Jesus"'. I like Karen's philosophy: "Jesus made EVERYDAY A DAY TO WORSHIP AND HONOR THE LORD. No one day is Satan's day unless we allow it." Amen, Karen!
These are just a few ideas, if you have one you would like to share, please email me and I will consider it for inclusion on this page.
Finally, please understand that I realize that this is a sensitive subject for many people. Most of us grew up in a time when Halloween was harmless and fun. We have emotional ties to Halloween that have deep roots extending back to our cherished childhood, or the childhood of our children. Such ties are hard to discard. But, I also have a deep personal conviction as a Christian, that we (our family) can no longer participate in, what is for some, an evil night.
May each one of us continue to grow in our walk and witness for Christ! God bless you!
—Grant MacDonald