We did a couple different Halloween gatherings this year. On Friday, the kids' school hosted a Halloween party; then, on Sunday the 31st, we visited another church in town that was hosting a Halloween festival. We decided not to do trick or treating anymore, because it's just too unpredictable what the kids might be exposed to at unknown people's houses. Churches seem like fairly safe places to go for Halloween, but I couldn't help but sense a darkness even in that environment.When we swung in to Sonic to take advantage of their 50 cent corndogs, the guy who was bringing people food was dressed up like a murder victim. The fake blood and wounds were enough for Sara to not want to eat any more and probably scarred our kids' minds a bit as well.
This may have been the last Halloween that we participate in. With the history of where Halloween comes from, and the increasing evil that seems to be attached to it, it just doesn't seem like something we should be involved with as Christ followers. I'm sure we'll still carve pumpkins and do other fall traditions, but I'm pretty sure we'll steer clear of Halloween focused gatherings.
Of course our kids love dressing up, but honestly they do that most of the year already so I don't think they will be feeling like they're missing out on much. We explained it to them tonight after we got home, and they didn't really seem to mind. We'll just make sure we do something special as a family on future Oct. 31st's.
(There are a few more pics of the kids in the Photo Album)
4 comments:
I would like to get some workout tips from Gavin. :) Ha ha, great looking bunch.
We've gone back and forth on the Halloween thing, too. We didn't celebrate it for a while and now we use it as an opportunity to take our dressed-up kids to the nursing home. The old folks love it. And I personally enjoy seeing old folks dressed up as whoopee cushions and ketchup bottles.
I can totally see both sides of should/shouldn't Halloween be celebrated. I think we'll continue to do it with the intentions of a reverse-Christmas effect: Consumerism has definitely watered-down Christmas. Maybe we as Christians can water-down Halloween a bit. :)
Thanks for sharing the pics and stories! Miss you guys.
Cutest kids-EVER. Best costumes-EVER.
My family stopped celebrating Halloween around 5th grade, and I didn't miss it much at all! I totally understood the dark vs. light issue and wanted to stay in the light. Now as adults, we partake in halloween, and so far it's been so mild that it really feels like "no big deal". I wonder though, am I being clear with the kids and our neighborhood that we are not like the world?
I really liked the commenter's idea of taking the kids to a nursing home. That sounds fun and meaningful!
Glad you guys are doing well! Maybe we'll see you around Christmas time in MN???
I to like what you said about Halloween. We dont celebrate it, but have been wondering what to do since many on our church do... i still don't like the idea of taking kids to strangers houses when we always say " don't take candy from a stranger."
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