Are We Friends with Hallowe'en?

I don’t know about where you live, but stores around me have had Hallowe’en decorations and costumes up for weeks, some even before the kids went back to school. I heard it reported on a talk show once that it is second only to Christmas in spending for a holiday. There are definitely many who go all out, and the excitement factor is there.

For me, as with most things, it’s not so much the what as the how. Putting together a costume and having fun dressing up, getting to know your neighbours better, and sharing with others are the foundation of Hallowe’en. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things, and they actually can do a lot of good for the community.

Sadly, Hallowe’en has evolved over time to scaring people for fun, celebrating all kinds of darkness, evil and death, and a loss of innocence through threats of needles and drugs in what is handed out, “stranger danger” and sexualized and otherwise inappropriate costumes for kids. Just yesterday I was in a store where a costume on sale was for a “unicorn”, including a horn with a straight rainbow wig on a headband and a rainbow tail. The attached photo was of a model in skimpy lingerie to finish out the costume.

We don’t want to add to the fear that can already run rampant on Hallowe’en, and many of our kids and youth enjoy the night with their parents’ blessing. What is a positive response? Here are some ideas of how to acknowledge Hallowe’en in your programs:

1. Host an outreach pumpkin carving event or include it as part of your regular programs. Before you start carving, read the book The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs. This will get your learners seeing jack ‘o lanterns from both a positive and Christian perspective. If it is not a family event, be sure to have lots of helpers. Make safety a priority and choose where you do this carefully. Don’t forget to toast the seeds and enjoy them as a snack after! If you can get your pumpkins with proceeds going to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank or another charity, so much the better.

2. Encourage a dress up day leading up to Hallowe’en where kids can try out their costumes. Have a costume parade. Tailor a discussion afterwards around questions like: a) how does it feel to pretend to be something or someone else? b) why did you choose your costume? c) who helped you to prepare it and have you thanked them? Talk about how God knows all about us, what we’re thinking and feeling, and that we don’t have to pretend to be someone else or hide. We were made perfect and are loved just as we are.

3. Have a talk about how to have a safe Hallowe’en. Consider things like safe costumes, caring about the needs of others, going with a trusted adult, avoiding homes with poor lighting, not running out between cars, etc. Talk as well about why they want to participate. Many will say they want free candy, so challenge them on this. Do they say thank you for what they receive? Are they grabby, trying to get more than they should? Are they still gracious even if they are given things they don’t like? How can they show the fruit of the Spirit even on Hallowe’en?

4. Have a talk about fear leading up to the big day. Especially with the number of youth dressing up as scary clowns right now and terrorizing neighbourhoods, this is very relevant. What is it like to be scared when you choose to be (many kids choose to go to a scary Hallowe’en movie or experience, knowing they will be scared)? How is that different from someone scaring them and enjoying their terror? What can they do if this happens? How can we trust in God to be with us and protect us? What Bible stories can they think of where people were afraid and what did God or Jesus do? How can they respect others and be aware of the impact of their behaviour and what they are wearing?

5. You may choose to have an event at church the night of Hallowe’en to allow for an alternative to traditional trick or treating. For some this works well, with a smaller amount of sugary candy, healthier snacks and positive games and other activities which can build community with families. You may choose to hold a similar event on another day. Be creative and celebrate coming together as a church family if you opt for this route.

I’m guessing that many of us have a complicated relationship with Hallowe’en. Be intentional about considering your thoughts and biases and in addressing the holiday in some way with your learners. Like it or not, it’s a big part of fall for many of them. Not talking about it misses the opportunity to offer tools and to encourage Christ-like behaviour in their lives outside the church’s doors.

However you acknowledge it, Happy Hallowe’en!