911 – that’s the number that many neighbors called when seeing a bloody body on a driveway, crushed by a garage door. Johnnie Mullins from Oklahoma really gets into Halloween. He plans on adding a second body to the Halloween props on his property.
Fun? I guess each person has a different definition of what is a good time. 
So…along with the crispness of fall comes the inevitable spooky holiday. Many Christian parents give at least some thought to how and how much family participation should be had in Halloween.
Personally, I’m not a huge Halloween fan. Many of my reasons have little to do with a religious objection. When I was an elementary school teacher, it was my least favorite event. The pre-Halloween craziness followed by the post-treat sugar crash made classroom management and instruction especially challenging. I’m also not into “dressing up.” Trying to figure out a costume is just not my cup of cider. It feels more like a looming task than fun. I know… a total “Boo-Hum-bug-ger”. I should just wear a big L on my forehead!
That being said, most kids get a kick out of creating an outfit and collecting candy. They become giddy at the thought of being someone else and earning sweets just by saying trick-or-treat!
I have to admit, it really is a unique experience.
As we all know, there is a wide spectrum of responses to this day.
Some churches or communities offer a fall celebration to replace door-to-door trick-or-treating. Spiritual or safety reasons are usually the motivations behind the options.
Do some 411 investigating. Research the holiday. Each family needs to decide for themselves the best way to be in the world but not of the world regarding October 31st. Some Christians don’t see an issue and others have a huge problem with it, calling it the Devil’s Holiday.
Pray about how you and your family should or should not do Halloween. Involve you kids in the conversation. Talk about what God honoring or dishonoring costumes and behavior looks like. You may even want to discuss the history of All Saints Eve.
Jenna Hallock, from the 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Team, recently blogged about how to Redeem Halloween, “I can invite neighbors in for hot cider. I can hand out candy or pretzels or popcorn that shares the love of Christ through Scripture. I can help my kids to pick out costumes that are fun and bring others joy. I can visit family and neighbors who enjoy seeing kids and bring them a special treat (some call this reverse Trick or Treating). My jack-o-lanterns can be carved with a cross or other beautiful designs.”
Halloween provides an opportunity to have some thought provoking and faith stretching dialog with your kids.
Do not imitate what is evil but what is good.
3 John 11
So…how does your family respond to Halloween?
By Lori Wildenberg
Co-founder of 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting
Contact Lori for your next speaking event
For more information on the Halloween news story go to: http://www.news9.com/story/23650855/halloween-decorations-scare-up-controversy-in-mustang
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