Jody is sharing some Christian alternatives to Halloween for those who do not want to celebrate Halloween with their children.
There is a big debate, even among Christians, on how to handle Halloween. Some feel that participating in it-going all out with decorations and costumes is perfectly acceptable. Then you have the other end of the spectrum that believe any acknowledgement or celebration of Halloween is dishonoring to God and their faith. Then you have all manner of opinions that fall somewhere in between. I don’t want to debate, it is not my place to judge or condemn your decisions. I, as a mother, this year have decided to forgo Halloween. In the past I have allowed non-scary costumes and we go down one street trick or treating. Last year I felt convicted to not participate any more on Halloween. What we have always done and will continue to do is to celebrate Fall, it is just another facet of God’s love and Grace and has long been an opportunity to give thanks for autumn bounty. Halloween was originally derived from a Christian holiday- All Saint’s Day, and was taken away and used to celebrate the dark and macabre. I wanted to find ways to “take it back” so I brainstormed a list of “alternatives” to celebrating Halloween for this year and I would love to share them with you.
10 Christian Alternatives to Halloween
Trunk or Treat-Many churches host these events on Halloween, while still a form of traditional trick or treating it does give you a safer, and more controlled environment to participate. Costumes are still generally a part of this tradition.
Autumn Tea Party/Picnic- Whether you have a boy, a girl, or a whole basketball team of both a fall picnic or tea party is a great way to welcome or celebrate Fall in the middle of it! Plan an outdoor picnic/tea party complete with a blanket on the grounds, warm you up from the inside out soups, hot chocolate, and Fall themed snacks. You wont even need decorations!
Pumpkin Patch-Even if you don’t carve them into scary Jack O Lanterns, pumpkins are a beautiful way to decorate indoors and out. Choosing them fresh from the patch instead of the grocery store is a childhood treat that shouldn’t be missed.
Decorate for Fall– If you haven’t yet decorated indoors and out for Fall, use Halloween to do it ( you still have all the way to Thanksgiving to enjoy it) put out pumpkins, build a scarecrow,
Prayer or Bible study– Host it at your house, spend the evening of Halloween in prayer and reflection for friends, family, and neighbors. Turn it into a positive by concentrating on others and their needs through prayer or Bible Study.
Progressive Dinner– If you have like minded friends and family who choose to not acknowledge it as a holiday you can get together and work out a plan for a progressive dinner (Make sure everyone leaves the porch light off). A progressive dinner is where you drive from house to house to have each course of a meal at a different place and that family is responsible for providing that course- appetizers, salad, soup, meal, dessert and coffee. You can make as many or as few categories as you wish.
Fall Festival– Churches and schools often offer these events on or near Halloween for free. They usually have snack foods, games, maybe bounce houses. This similar to trunk or treats create a safer, less threatening environment to enjoy.
Family Movie or Game Night– Any excuse for family bonding is a great one! Grab something easy for dinner like pizza so one person isn’t stuck in the kitchen during all the fun. Choose family favorite games or movies, pile them up on the table., and grab plenty of yummy snacks-popcorn, candy.
Have a family outing– Turn off the lights and head out to a fun family outing like bowling, or the movies. Use it as another excuse to spend time together and focus on each other.
Do you have something special you do on or around Halloween instead of Trick or Treating?
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Ekaette Dada says
One thing I have done for about 5 years now is something we call “take back the night”. We got to the church (or a friend’s house) have a pizza party for the children, pray, and go out evangelising. The children make goody bags the week before with candy, info about the church, and general Christian tracks. We knock on doors and give the goody bags out. Most people are more willing to open the door on Halloween and everyone is always so surprised to be getting something instead of giving. We also make sure to make goody bags for the children participating so they still get their candy. We also usually pick a theme for children to dress up in if they want to. Some of our past themes have been rock stars for the Lord (children dressed as rock stars), fruits of the spirit (children wore solid color tops with signs with fruit names and one of the fruits of the spirit), and Light of the world (children wore glow sticks as brackets, necklace, any and every where)