Halloween, A Christian Perspective

Because of the popularity of Halloween, many Christian websites and organizations are offering Christian Alternatives to Halloween.  According to some research, Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in our culture, and for some, is more celebrated than Christmas.  This can pose a challenge for churches and Christian families, especially when children are involved.
 
Some Christians reject Halloween completely, saying that this October 31st holiday has strong roots in paganism and is closely tied to Satan worship.  Others have embraced Halloween, and are using it as a form of outreach.  Through Fall Festivals and other activities offered by churches and Christian Community Groups, Christians are effectively furthering the Gospel, and spreading the Light of Jesus on this traditionally dark holiday.
 
You are the person who will ultimately decide what is best for your family and your children.  For those of you looking for a Christian Alternative to Halloween, here are a few ideas to turn the holiday into a positive, relationship-building tradition for your church or family. 

Fall or Harvest Festivals 
These have become a popular Halloween alternative among Christian families and churches.  Organizing an event like this at your church or within your neigborhood gives parents a place to take their children where they can celebrate Halloween with fellow Christians.  Children are still able to dress up in costumes, though any costume with 'evil' or 'dark' connotations are forbidden.  Some churches have expanded the event to include games and other fun activities, such as craft tables, gourd tosses, etc.  A properly planned event will draw a large crowd from the surrounding community, which is why so many churches are turning these events into such effective outreach ministries. 
 
For churches providing treat bags for children attending the event, place a children's tract in each bag before handing them out.  Tracts have come a long away and the latest children's tracts are colorful with really neat graphics.  Not only will you reach the child when he or she goes through the contents and 'treasure' accumulated during the evening, but you may also reach the parent or care-giver who goes through the bag or is asked to read the tract by the child... 

Give a Tract and a Treat this Year 

Halloween is a great way to share the Gospel as trick-or-treaters come to your door looking for candy.  Give more than candy this year, and include a tract with your treat. Not only can you potentially introduce a child to Christ, but your tract may also be passed around to friends, parents and care-givers.
 

Carving Pumpkins  
 Jack-o-lanterns make great teaching tools.  Make this into a big event by setting time aside just for this activity, and finish off with a mug of hot chocolate and marshmellows if it's a chilly day.  Use only happy and non-threatening faces for carving.  Be sure to have your camera handy to capture your completed creations.  Use the completed jack-o-lantern to explain how ones behavior allows the
the love and light of Jesus to shine through us, just as the candle shines through the pumpkin... 

A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch
We make an annual trip to our local pumpkin patch, but looking at the pumpkins in the store or on the roadside will work just as well.  Make this a special event, packing a picnic and the camera to capture the special family memories that are sure to be created.  Let the children run around to try find  2 pumpkins which look the most alike.  Then  point out that just like us, each pumpkin is different, because God loves each of us and made each person unique and special.
 

Magnificent Fall Foliage 
Fall is such a beautiful time of the year.  Take this opportunity to share the magnificence of God's creation with your children and those around you.  Although we love to drive up into the mountains for a special weekend, you can do point out the brilliant colors and stunning fall foliage just driving the kids to school, on the way to the store, etc