Should Christians Observe Halloween? (& 20 alternative ways to celebrate)

Here in the Carolinas, the weather is like heaven – cool and crisp in the mornings, and warm and gorgeous in the afternoons. Yet, although I love the fall, and all the colorful foliage that comes with it, I have to admit that I do not love the holiday celebrated in October.

Just so you do not think that I am a complete party-pooper-prude about Halloween, I will share that I have always allowed my children to go trick or treating, returning home weighted down with their candy treasures. We have eighteen years of pictures of all of them dressed up in their cute, fun costumes, with fingers wrapped tightly around the handles of their orange, plastic pumpkins, or pillow cases. (I’ll share a picture of this year’s Halloween costumes on Facebook & Twitter this afternoon)

But even though we have fun, I am always glad when Halloween is behind us ……. for 4 reasons:

Reason # 1:  I despise spiders, and they are everywhere…in every size.. in every furry eight-legged species…. in every store and restaurant during the month of October, stuck in those huge mounds of icky fake webs. Yuck. Ewww. Double yuck.

Reason # 2: I despise scary movies, and even some of the TV commercials during the weeks leading up to Halloween leave me feeling like I need to sleep with the lights on.

Reason # 3:  The retail industry is getting rich from selling cheaply made, over-priced costumes, most of which are entirely inappropriate, too bloody,or immodest for children (and adults for that matter!)

Reason # 4: I have always struggled with whether or not God would really approve of His beloved children participating in this celebration.

The first three reasons simply expose that I have a weak stomach for spiders, blood and gore.

But the fourth reason always causes me to question whether or not I should celebrate at all, considering my allegiance to Christ. Even if we consider Halloween to be nothing more than an evening of innocent fun, there is no denying that it started from pagan and demonic rituals.

Although scripture does not specifically address the commercialized holiday we call Halloween, it does provide insight into whether or not God would approve.  There are countless references in the Bible attesting to the fact that pagan idol worship, and any behavior that condoned or promoted satanic or demonic practices, were not only frowned upon by God, but forbidden, and many times punishable by death.

Let’s state the obvious fact that most of you may be thinking – “It is not evil or demonic to dress up in a fun costume and go trick or treating, or host a party for friends!”  I completely agree. However,  there are anti-Christian costumes, decorations and festivities that promote the dark side of the spiritual realm, which are certainly unacceptable in God’s eyes.

So, what is a Christian to do? Is it possible to celebrate Halloween without compromising our faith?  I believe the answer is yes, as long as we remember to do everything we do, as unto the Lord, as we are instructed in Colossians 3:17.  We are called to be in the world, but not of the world, so we can choose to be involved in Halloween, without being a part of Halloween, that promotes the dark side.

For example, I have always chosen costumes for my children based on fairy tale characters, books, sports, movies, decade costumes, etc., as opposed to demons, devils, witches with warts, dripping blood, or masks worn by serial killers. My kids know full well, even though they are now teenagers, that if a costume even looks to be in the demonic category – or if even one drip of fake red blood is visible – not to even waste their words by asking to wear it.

But regardless of our personal beliefs on how to celebrate, it is just as important that we respect and consider other points of view.

Romans 14 instructs us to respect each others opinions in all areas of life, and without passing judgement. In regards to Halloween, we are each to decide for ourselves how we want to celebrate this fall holiday, and follow our own convictions about how we observe it, without condemning those who choose a different way than us.

For those of us who are not into skulls, snakes, red eyed rats, bloody makeup and headless yard art, I thought I would offer some food for thought (or should I say candy corn pumpkins for thought – my fave!). Smiles.

Here are a few familyfriendly ideas for you to consider doing during this years Halloween celebrations.

* Purchase costumes that do not portray something that God would not be supportive of
* Host an Unhalloween celebration – get creative about doing things opposite from the typical halloween celebrations
* Seek out local farms or parks who are offering hay rides and bonfires and spend the evening there instead of trick or treating
* Visit a corn maze
* Have a pumpkin carving party with the winner being the one who has the happiest face; offer a small prize or candy for most joyful pumpkin
* If you don’t want to give the kids a carving knife, buy lots of colors of paint, and have them paint on the faces instead. I even recently saw a pumpkin which was ‘bedazzled’ – too cute!
* Check local listings for holiday celebrations at churches
* Throw an orange and black party – ask all guests to wear orange and black, and/or bring a dessert or appetizer that consists primarily of those colors

* Decorate your home with fall colors and festive leaves and wreaths
* Host a Bible character dress up contest
* Pass out some Christian tracts, or small New Testaments, instead of candy
* Have a family meeting before hand, and brainstorm some fun new ways to celebrate or do something different on Halloween night
* Decide upon some fun, new snacks to make, like popcorn balls, a special baked item, or a Halloween themed cake or treat, and have a family cooking night
* Plan a progressive Halloween party with a group of friends.
* Have a themed party, like a “Noah’s Ark” party; have the guests come in animal or character costumes; make a cake that looks like a boat; offer animal crackers and goldfish.
* Carve pumpkins for a nursing home and deliver with lighted candles on Halloween
* Go to a pumpkin patch; come home on and watch the Charlie Brown “Its The Great Pumpkin” cartoon
* Have a big bonfire outside in the back yard, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs while singing fun praise and worship kid songs.

In whatever ways you choose to celebrate, have a happy and safe Halloween!

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4 Comments

  1. Veronika L. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    I truly appreciate the devotion today (11-6-12) about not being satisfied with mere crumbs…and then clicking on a link that lead to the page with the deer on it and the definition of “panting”– I am desiring to “pant” after the Word of God, I also know that it takes a crucifying of my flesh daily, to rise before anyone else in my home, to spend that special time with the Lord– and thats the hard part!! I also wanted to comment on your view about Halloween…I have been a “party pooper” for the past two years and not celebrating the day in any way, no dressing up, no carving pumpkins, no trick or treating, not even attending our church function, “Light Night”. 2Corinthians6:17 “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord”…. I think to often christians believe that if we “christianize” it, then it’ll be ok to watch, listen, or participate in things of the world that are clearly not of the Lord. When will we as children of the Living God, be willing to STAND for TRUTH? I fall short in many ways–I know it would be encouraging though, if more did STAND against the things of this world….then I wouldn’t feel like such a party pooper all by myself 😀



  2. cheap north face on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.



  3. Bernadine Throop on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it
    seems as though you relied on the video to
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  4. Court on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    You do realize that pumpkins/jack-o-lanterns are pagan…right?



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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