You could totally call me the Scrooge of the Halloween holiday. I just don’t like it. I do not like the guts, gore and scare factor of this day. I do not like the excessive candy and sugar my children demand and consume. I do not like the origin that the holiday began. I am not a fan.
Growing up, my family did not celebrate this holiday. It wasn’t a religious reason, it was my parent’s personal preference. Instead of dressing up and knocking on my neighbors doors on this day, we would head out and do a family activity. The activity was either a fun carnival themed night at church or just a nice dinner at a restaurant. Something to keep our minds off of all the fun that our friends were doing.
My husband grew up celebrating and participating in this holiday. He and his friends dressed up, knocked on doors (even in the country), and played spooky tricks on those he met. He even has a scar from a pumpkin carving incident from his youth. He loves this holiday.
When we got married, we had to compromise and come to an agreement. We have decided to allow the boys to dress up (fun, silly, occupational costumes) and even carve pumpkins. We have knocked on a few neighbors doors in the past (those who we know and are comfortable with).
I still am uneasy when it comes to my children participating in this holiday with such a yucky past. I really enjoyed reading this article from The Unplugged Family on why they do not do Halloween. They give a brief history behind the holiday and why their family does not participate. I firmly agree. I am not a fan of this day.
I wonder what people would do if my children were to dress up and knock on their door demanding something good to eat during the month of April. Same concept, different date. It is just so foreign and weird to me. I am not a fan of this day.
As much as I detest this holiday, I will be putting a smile on my face as I walk with my boys in their costumes at our church’s Harvest Festival. Praying for wisdom, guidance and balance on doing what is best for my family.
Do you celebrate Halloween?
If so, what is your most favorite and least favorite part of this day?
Joanna says
Growing up, I never celebrated it either. We’d do the church “Fall Festival” thing. Just spent this evening taking my little brothers there as a matter of fact! Fun, games, food, and kind people.
But now, as an adult, I have ZERO interest in this holiday. What irks me is how many adults are into it. I can’t believe how many of my friends are still all about it. If anything, leave the costumes and candies to the kids!
Rachel says
I think it is okay when adults dress up for their own parties (adult parties). However, when they are dressed up and knocking on doors for candy… that draws the line for me.
I took the boys to two local church’s harvest festivals last night. Safe. FUN. Non-scary. They were happy… and mama was happy. 🙂
Silva Spencer says
I am not a big fan of halloween either, but I just like seeing what other people do on that day. It makes me really happy.
Kiera Chambers says
We’re Christians & we…wait for it…Celebrate Halloween…gasp…
but we also respect that other’s don’t…it’s a personal family choice.
here is a blog that I posted about it..too long to state it all here!…this was written 2 years ago. And I feel the same now as I did then.
http://chambersmade.blogspot.com/2010/10/celebrating.html
Ml says
I grew up celebrating Halloween and it was my favorite holiday for a long time. When I repented and gave my life to Jesus I found I did not like Halloween anymore and am disgusted by the idea of encouraging children to participate in it. I’m mad that the media promotes satanism and death at every opportunity. May God have mercy on the world.