With Halloween coming up on Wednesday, many people at work have been discussing what they are going to be for Halloween. This got me thinking. I've never been very attached to Halloween as a holiday, growing up we didn't really celebrate it and I've just never found it very appealing. However, I know that for many people it is a much anticipated holiday. I've know quite a few Christians who don't celebrate Halloween out of spiritual conviction, others have no problem with it at all. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic! How do you think Christian's should approach Halloween? Is this even an issue? That is my thought for the day :)
~Rachel
Not distant past
3 months ago
5 comments:
I appreciate cheap candy.
I have to admit I have vacillated over the years how to handle this holiday. In my "single" years, I dressed up since I worked in a Pediatric Hospital and those kids just LOVED it when we all dressed up. When I was a "young married" we had celebrations when we would invite friends over to hang out at our place. We never made a big deal about Halloween per se but we did see this as a ministry opportunity and have hoots of fun. We have always handed out candy, a good way to get to know the neighborhood kids and parents. As far as our own kids, we do go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. When the kids were younger we only went to select houses. Now we go most but not all the neighborhood. We put together costumes of things already lying around the house. We keep it wholesome; no scary creatures, etc. For instance, a pink cowgirl (hot glued fringe on previous years' snow boots), a zebra (using a coat already with stripes, black leggings and felt ears), fireman (recyled a fire hat from an open house at a fire station, mom's "farm" jacket and previous years snow boots), a biker (leather coat at discount store, black jeans already had, bandana, and chunky shoes) and army man (already had all those accessories). I personally think people enjoy seeing creativity in costumes. I also think that we can be salt and light even on a holiday such as this. So, moderation for us as a family. As far as dressing up in the workplace, consider it a great opportunity to "stand out" with something creative and wholesome. Not dressing could make it harder to have meaningful conversations. (I once knew a gal who went as Noah's wife - dressed in a sari!-now that was both cute and a conversation starter!!!)
Karen H.
(Yes, Rachel, I have been reading your blogs!)
hey! That is funny! I just did a poll about this topic and wanted to post on it next week.
:)
I think it is not the best ... too much focus on not great things and some downright dangerous things but people like Karen are doing it right if you're going to participate.
Thank you so much for you comments!
I've been doing more thinking and actually looked up some sites related to Halloween. I just wanted to add another note that Rachel already alluded to. That is conviction. We have to be sensitive to our own personal conviction as well as others. We should uphold and encourage those who choose not to participate in any way. If we choose not to participate, we should have an informed answer to those who might ask. (I'm sorry for perhaps giving the impression that Rachel SHOULD dress up. I would support whatever you chose. God will use you either way!!!). On a lighter side, does that include not buying candy as well? ;-)
Karen H.
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