Halloween can be a lot for a Christian parent to navigate. Many of us find ourselves asking what to do with a holiday that seems to be about darkness and isn’t exactly easy to point back to Jesus. (Not to mention the candy negotiations that begin on November 1st.)
But what if we started with a heart check instead of a rulebook?
In our home, we use this season to talk about how God’s light is stronger than any darkness. It’s not about ignoring the world around us. It’s about discipling our kids to navigate it with a heart anchored in truth.
Of course, that’s easier said than done when everyone has a strong opinion. It’s easy to get caught up in the “do’s and don’ts” of the season, but what if we asked God to direct our family toward what’s best for us?
Here’s my approach:
First, recognize that Christians see this differently, so respect is essential. Some of the most faithful people I know land in very different places on this one.
Next, decide what’s right for YOUR family. Will you receive it, reject it, or redeem it?
- Receive it: These families embrace the holiday without many, if any, reservations.
- Reject it: These families choose not to participate in any way, shape, or form.
- Redeem it: These families find alternative ways to enjoy the season, like a church event, a celebration without the emphasis on death and gore, or a chance to love their neighbors well and share the gospel.
However you choose to approach it, Halloween is a great opportunity for real conversations with our kids about the real darkness in our world and the role we’re called to play in it as Christians.
“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5)
“For ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
One of your best options is to simply ask the Lord what He wants your family to do, and then do that.
