Navigating Halloween as a Christian parent

[Wrongsideofpennines]

Any words of wisdom for managing Halloween with children when your beliefs seem at odds with the 'celebrations'? As a Christian I don't want to celebrating evil, witchcraft etc.

My eldest is 3 and has noticed that homes are decorated for Halloween. They won't understand trick or treating this year and I have no intention of taking them to knock on strangers doors in the dark. But I know this will get increasingly difficult as they get older.

I had planned to ignore it. I was brought up either going to the Light Party at church or staying home in the back room with the lights off. I had hoped to do the same with my children but it is just everywhere - houses decorated, 'spooky season' in the shops and on TV adverts, the childminders house, every baby and toddler group has Halloween special sessions. I don't remember it being this big a deal when I was a child and therefore never felt like I was missing out.

So do I ignore or embrace? Or something better?

You just tell them we don't do that in our house and stick firmly to your principles. You are the parent after all. You can explain why later on.
I don't celebrate Christmas at all as I'm another religion, my DS doesn't question it because it's always been so in our house and he knows better than to ask.
I think Christmas was much harder as the expectations and peer pressure was so high.

I’m Christian and we do pumpkins and give out sweets. It’s just being part of the local community.

I think there is another group (me!) who view things from the perspective of, "what is in your heart?". Jesus talked about people worshipping with their lips but 'their hearts are far from me.' it's much much less about what you do outwardly than what you do inwardly. What are your motivations? Are these honouring God?

So, back to Halloween. If you're doing it to connect with your community, to give children some fun - you don't know all their circumstances. To show kindness and love. Even just to join in and not have a self righteous aloofness which can be quite alienating, then I think it's OK.

@Gettingbysomehow I agree. I grew up without Halloween and I don't miss it. Children are more resilient than we give them credit for. @Wrongsideofpennines do something nice with your kids tonight that isn't Halloween themed.