Halloween: To Partake or Forsake?

Is Halloween a harmless day for families to enjoy candy, dressing up, and seeing neighbors, or is it an unchristian observance that should be skipped in favor of something less secular? See how other homeschool parents feel about Halloween from a question we recently posted on our homeschool Facebook page: “Does your family celebrate Halloween?”

“Yes, but we don't do ghosts, witches, devils, etc. And we use the smiling jack o’ lantern as an object lesson for how God picks us, washes us clean, scoops out all the yucky sin, puts a smile on our face, and lets the light of Jesus shine through us.” - Stacey F.

“No. We do, however, use it as an opportunity to share the gospel, because we get a lot of trick-or-treaters at our house. We give out treat bags with candy and a gospel tract. Plus, we give out a one dollar bill to anyone who can quote a Bible verse to us. It has been very fun!” - Nancy H.

“Halloween is really All Hallows Eve, the day before All Saints Day. Reformation Day is on October 31. We celebrate Reformation Day at home and at church. We also let the kids dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. Halloween is only a pagan and hedonistic holiday if you let it be.” - Deanna J.

“I grew up not celebrating most holidays because of pagan roots. I'll be honest...while respecting my parents’ decision and reasoning, I totally resented it growing up.” - Angela G.L.

“We allow the kids to participate in the church's Fall Festival as an alternative activity. We don't have scary costumes or engage in anything with a ‘dark’ theme. We don't consider that celebrating Halloween.” - Holly H.

“My kids have always enjoyed trick or treating then taking a turn giving out candy on the front porch. It is a good lesson on sharing with neighbors.” - Jodi S.F.

“We do not celebrate the Easter bunny, instead Resurrection Day; no Santa Claus, only Jesus’ birth. Regardless of the pagan origins of these holidays, they now celebrate the life and resurrection of Jesus. Halloween does not in any way shape or form. So I ask, as Christians let us not condemn one another for the differences, but pray for each other that we can stand together on the things that really matter.” - Haagen D.

“Not exactly. We allow our kids the fun of dress up, candy, and hanging with friends or church group. But have discussions about the day, its origins, and what it means today. It's a great learning tool while they can still have some fun.” - Anthony W.

“Yes, we go all out for Halloween. My kids dress up, they trick-or-treat, and we have fun. We decorate our house, and have even turned our front porch into a ‘haunted’ porch. The neighborhood kids love it! By dressing up and having innocent fun I don't see how that makes a person unchristian.” - Holly M.D.

“Nope! But we do turn on our front light and put Gospel tracts in with candy bars. Very few times will the lost world come straight to your front door – perfect opportunity!” - Danielle T.

To see other responses to our Facebook question, visit our page.