Halloween is another cultural tradition that divides Christians, but more often than not we throw blanket assumptions around rather than discuss differences, beliefs, personal experiences, and the Bible. That assumption is rarely rooted in anything other than self-righteousness and an essentially selfish desire to desecrate God’s command to “seek peace with all men” (Hebrews 12:14).
I’ve been on both sides of the argument, but I’ve definitely never shared my thoughts or beliefs. As someone who has distanced myself from a legalistic fundamentalist upbringing, I’m rather surprised at how “strict” I am about my stance on Halloween. Nevertheless, I want to share my heart, my story, and my perspective as much as possible to honor God and encourage other mothers who are hesitant about this holiday.
So, Mom, if you don’t like Halloween or don’t celebrate Halloween with your kids, you’re not failing them. I hope I can inspire you here, state my beliefs, and remind you why honoring God’s call to your heart is always praiseworthy.
my story
I want to dress my little boy in a cute costume and bring home lots of candy, but my beliefs hold me back. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the lovely simplicity of that idea, and the memories I wonder if I’m missing out, don’t echo in my mind every October. That’s partly because I grew up in a (Christian) household where Halloween was all the rage, so this is new territory for me away from the whole Halloween thing. Decorations, costumes, parties, we went all out.
But when my son was born, I looked into that crumpled little piece of heaven and knew he would change the way I viewed everything, including my faith and family traditions, which I thought I had it all figured out. So it was my turn to pray and talk with my husband about how our little family would react to the Halloween holiday.
My husband and I lived in Colorado for a year, where I was introduced to a pagan religion I didn’t know existed. It always made me anxious. After I became a mother and delved into the origins and modern-day customs of pagan cult participation on Halloween night, I could no longer bear the idea of my child being out on a night that was so prone to evil.
Of course, I realize that many families participate in the innocent fun and that other believers may also have different beliefs. I am not speaking from a position of self-righteousness by any means, but there is a wariness steeped in the knowledge of things that I sincerely hope are not the reality. But once I learned that many of these satanic-based cults have particularly sinister prayers for trick-or-treating children, I knew there was no going back.
Halloween is no longer just about “cool” ghosts and “just kids dressing up and getting candy.” I could no longer shake off the jack-o-lantern’s hideous and evil origins. Even an innocent part of the holiday festivities now seemed to be dipping a toe in dangerous waters, with the enemy breaking down the door to gain entry. I knew it was time to dig in my heels and, lovingly, set boundaries where my family would not participate in Halloween.
This means we don’t attend trick-or-treat events downtown, buy costumes, decorate with “spooky” things, watch Halloween-themed movies or buy books, or, oddly enough, attend church trunk-or-treat events.
This can make conversations especially awkward between family members, and it would be unwise not to confess that when the kids are older they might be labeled as “uncool” or “unfair.” Still, I’ve learned that there’s nothing relatively peaceful (and even braver) than setting and respecting firm boundaries that protect the small heart and soul of your home.
your story
Make no mistake, your story is not the same as mine. Human experience is unique to each of us. But some of my stories may intersect with yours, such as my fears and concerns, or awkward conversations with family and friends. If so, I want you to know that you are not alone, even if there is some sadness in your story, even if you don’t feel an ounce of sadness when you see families in matching costumes and children running up and down the boulevard laughing. I think about this little tug every Halloween, and because I do, I understand that you can despise the sin of enforcing strict boundaries, but still struggle with maintaining those boundaries.
Maybe you’re at a point where you can’t be a “fun mom.” Teens and tweens rebel every year when we say no to Halloween parties and haunted houses. Sorry, but doing the right thing doesn’t mean your heart won’t be trampled on. But I want to honor you, God-fearing mother, by rooting for you and holding fast to the beliefs that the Holy Spirit has placed in your heart. Remember, sweet mama, this is just for one night. It’s only one season.
On the other hand, you should never ignore an opportunity like this to sit down with your kids and explain why your family doesn’t participate in Halloween. This allows you to share God’s truth with your children and show them what it means to put God above all things.
If you still think your family should do something fun, ask the kids to make an alternative to Halloween. Many fall festivals and pumpkin patches don’t involve spooky decorations, trick-or-treating, or participating in Halloween traditions. Or consider celebrating All Saints Day November 1st. Have your family host a party dressed up as their favorite Bible characters. You’ll be surprised at how many decorations, food ideas, games and activities are available this holiday, especially on Pinterest.
Even if you don’t participate in Halloween, you can still foster fun and joy during the harvest season, which is filled with memories.
A story of wisdom and growth
When cultural concepts like Halloween are not strictly mentioned in the Bible, believers are left with a gray area. I have found that different Christians have different beliefs about these gray areas. Therefore, I am not going to share my story or my heart to force you into any particular belief. Instead, I want moms of faith to look into the Bible, look into the history and meaning of things, and have those uncomfortable conversations with God to decide what’s best for their families. In all things, your goal should be for your family to respect the truth. As Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever is admirable, whatever is excellent, whatever is worthy of praise, think about such things” (NIV).
As you grapple with the secular aspects of celebrating Halloween, Santa Claus, and other holidays for children, I pray that your story as a mother is one of consistent wisdom and growth. I pray that you create a space in your home where you can feel God’s never-ending joy as you celebrate the change of seasons and holidays, watch your baby grow and change over the years. Most of all, I pray that you honor God and sleep in His peace.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AzmanL
Peyton Garland is a writer, editor, and mom of a boy who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee. For more encouragement, subscribe to her blog Uncured+OK.
