Why we do not celebrate Halloween

 Stop and think for a moment: What does Halloween celebrate? Many people would reply commercialism. Others are probably still scratching their heads. If you look at the history of the holiday, it is a pagan holiday. While our reasons for not celebrating Halloween can be tied to both of those explanations, it is not the core reason why we have chosen as a family not to indulge in a very "worldy" holiday.

Four years ago, we decided to stop celebrating Halloween. Brian and I had grown up in families where the holiday was partaken just as most American families do. We wore costumes as children and went trick or treating. We harbored large stashes of candy and went to scary houses. When we had kids of our own, we continued with the tradition without stopping to really think if it was something that would benefit our children. And so, one year when I was trying to make costumes and beat the rush for a store bought one, I paused to analyze that very question. Why do we celebrate Halloween? I could think of no good reason other than it was what we had always done. And being my anal self, I made a list of pros and cons. Surprisingly, there were more cons than pros!

So, here are some of the reasons we have decided to spend time together as a family rather than celebrate Halloween (in no particular order):

1) It is rude and greedy. Before you get your panties in a bunch, just hear me out. It teaches our children bad manners. What other time would demanding something from someone at their house or threatening them with a prank be acceptable? Yes, everyone does it that one night. But does it make it right? I did not want to be counterproductive to the values I was teaching my children the other 364 days of the year. Nor did I want to indulge their naturally greedy natures by telling them that collecting loads of candy was okay because it was Halloween. They already have everything they need. I want my children to be content with what they have and not constantly striving to get more ____________(you can fill in the blank.) I have had some argue that it helps them use their good manners because they have to take turns getting candy and they say "please" and "thank you." I guess that makes it okay to rob a bank as long as you wait in line and ask nicely for the money. Oh, yeah, don't forget to say "thank you" as you run to the getaway car. ;-)

2) It isn't healthy. Loads of sugar and fat. Need I say more?

3)It doesn't glorify God. As many of you know, I am a Christian. Glorifying God is very important to our family. This holiday can go against many of the things God has laid out for us to follow (see greed, above) and it allows fear into our hearts and minds. How many people watch scary movies or go to "haunted" houses for the thrill? God tells us to guard our hearts from things that will make us susceptible to Satan. Allowing fears into our hearts and minds that were not there before creates a weakness in us. It opens another door for Satan to enter. Many see it as harmless, but my job as a mother is to protect my children and to make them feel secure. Am I doing my job if I encourage these fears to take root in their lives? The world is a scary enough place without creating fear for the fun of it.

4) It takes away from family time. Confusing, I know, since many people associate Halloween with family time, but how much quality family time are you spending together when you are out trick or treating? Not much. Our family has taken this holiday and reserved it for some real quality time. When we lived in Kentucky, we would gather at my mom's house for a family game night. We would eat chili and play different board games together. This year, we will not be able to spend time at my mom's house, but we are planning on eating a nice meal together and then spending a few hours either playing games or going to see a kid-friendly movie.

Halloween isn't something that we celebrate anymore, but that doesn't mean we are against those who do. When we decided to not celebrate, I gave all my Halloween decorations to a good friend who loves the holiday. This year, we served at a community Halloween festival for young kids with our church. (God works everywhere. Even Halloween events.) Everyone has their reasons to celebrate or not, and I know that we are in the minority. These are our reasons and we do not push them on others. Each family must make their own decisions on what they celebrate as a family and why.  

Though...I would like to print this to pass out to all the adults who look at me like I am a monster when I calmly tell them that we do not celebrate Halloween. I must be terrifying in their eyes. ;-D

So, Happy last day of October! I hope it is a safe and happy one... whatever you do!