Rachel, since you mentioned fall baskets not being in the budget, I thought I’d add that they aren’t in our budget either…but we were recently given a ton of apples and I’ve been peeling and slicing them into apple pie fillings to freeze…fifteen pie fillings later, guess what our neighbors are getting for their “happy fall” gift from our family? Now to think of something inspirational to include on the tag…

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@Rachel: I’ve read articles that were so strong against it– comparing it to celebrating the mocking of Jesus– that I didn’t want to do it. But I also remember what it was like to experience it, and I had no clue as a kid.

To me, it’s much like all the childhood fantasies– Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny (SC and EB we don’t do) where there’s things grown up around real holidays and the parents have to choose what to do with it.

I could probably do Halloween if it weren’t for the witches, wizards, and the neighbors with their haunted house.

@MusicGuy: So here’s a question to you… If you don’t mind your child being exposed to other ideas (i.e. My church’s VBS), then are you in favor of teaching Creationism along with Evolutionism so they can make up their own mind about their worldview?

First of all, Leticia, I hope no one gives you any flak. I feel about Halloween (and I might catch some flak for this) that it falls under the “disputable matters” category that Paul elaborates on in Romans 14. Kind of similar to “Is it OK for a Christian to have a glass of wine?” There are many Christians who say no alcohol whatsoever and there are many who say a glass is fine as long as there is no drunkenness or stumbling of brothers. The Bible isn’t black and white clear on it and a case can be made for either side. I think the same goes for trick-or-treating. Obviously most Christians will not let their child dress up in bloody, spooky, gory costumes, and most parents aren’t sharing the history of Halloween with their kids. It’s a night to get out, go get pizza, and get candy with your friends (at least that’s what it was when I was growing up).

Perhaps we should look at this not as what is right for me but will this make my brother/sister stumble? If this is something they have a conviction about, will my participation cause problems with their faith? I know a lot of Christians who read Harry Potter and have no problems about it, but will not bring it up around other Christians who do have problems with it.

I’m just rambling now and I don’t know the answer, so does anyone else want to throw out some ideas???

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On the one hand, I hate the “spooky” part of Halloween – the scary costumes, the deathly images, etc.

But on the other hand, what is wrong with dressing up? I used to love to play dress up! And when Princess was a baby, we bought her a ladybug costume that went over her onesie – she was SO cute!

That is where I am torn. There is fun to be had in dressing up and I don’t want to deny her that. But on the other hand, I don’t want to embrace things that I know are an abomination to God. But is just letting my child wear a costume “embracing” it? I don’t condone the spiritual/evil aspects of Halloween, but by letting her participate in dressing up, does that mean I’m condoning by association?

I really like the idea of fall baskets. I just wish we had the money to do something like that.

I’m with you on the “fall festivals” thing. In our old town, the churches would hold the fall festivals from 4:30-5:30, which still left plenty of time for the kids to go home to trick-or-treat. I wouldn’t mind having a party the weekend before or after Halloween where kids could dress up and play games and have snacks, but then I’m sure some Christians out there would say it defeats the purpose because the kids would still be free to trick-or-treat.

Can you tell I am really confused?

Rachels last blog post..Home… but for How Long?

I loved Halloween as a child. To me all it meant was getting a whole lot of free candy. And it brings back the only good memories I have a dad who never acknowledged me and my sisters until Halloween, he loved taking us out.

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