Oct
11
When Children Ask Why They Can’t Go Trick-or-Treating
Once again, All Hallows’ Eve is fast approaching, and jack o’lanterns, costumes, and trick-or-treating for candy become the topics of much conversation, particularly when children are involved. But, Christian parents (and some others) have to weigh serious concerns about occultic themes, etc., versus their children’s enjoyment and inclusion in Halloween activities. Not letting your child do something that “all the other kids” are doing can be difficult. (Note: I don’t have kids, but I’ve known some and even was one once.)
Several months ago, the subject must have come up about Halloween in my brother’s household, because my then-7-years-old nephew asked why he and his sister were not allowed to go trick-or-treating on Halloween. I’m not exactly sure how the discussion went, but my nephew emailed to ask me the question.
Of course, I emailed my brother to make sure it was OK — he said it was — and ask how much leeway I had. He knows that I am not quite as conservative on this issue as he is, so I was a little surprised but honored that he would let me chime in. He thought it would be good for his son to hear another perspective.
This is the email I received:
“Hi Uncle Chris,
Can you answer this: why don’t we celebrate Halloween?
Thank you!
Eli”
Here is how I answered…
“That’s a really good question, Eli. It’s kind of complicated, but I will try to just explain the most important stuff.
First, if we are Christians, then we should do what Jesus (and others) teach us in the Bible. One of those things is to stay away from evil stuff.
Lots of people who celebrate Halloween tell stories and wear costumes of demons and very bad people and scary monsters and creepy critters. So, some Christians decide to not do anything for Halloween, just to make sure they don’t do anything Jesus wouldn’t want them to do, even by accident.
Some Christians (like me) think it’s OK to wear some costumes and go trick-or-treating, as long as they don’t do any of the bad or scary stuff, and some Christians will only dress up as Bible characters and as other famous Christians. They might only visit people’s houses where they know the people, because those people are good neighbors or they go to church with them.
Sometimes, a church will have a special party for people to go to instead of trick-or-treating, and the kids will play games and get candy there. It might be called a Harvest Day Celebration or Fall Festival or Reformation Day Celebration or something like that.
So, if your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween, the main thing to know is that your parents are just trying to do what they think Jesus wants and to keep you safe and away from bad or scary stuff.
I hope that answers your question, Eli. 🙂
– Uncle Chris”
Fortunately, my nephew and brother were both happy with my answer. If you have little ones asking similar questions, I hope this post (along with the one I linked to) helps you, too.
Happy Halloween!
Happy Reformation Day!
and…
Stay Safe Out There!
