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How to
Explain to Your Kids
Why You Don't Celebrate Halloween |
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Halloween
has come under a close scrutiny by families over the
last few years. Some have chosen to not celebrate
Halloween because of the connection to pagan and satanic
beliefs, others for safety reasons. It can be hard for
children to understand parents’ decisions, especially
when they see their friends going trick or treating
without them or when they are not allowed to attend a
party. The history of Halloween blends so many different
ideas from so many cultures and religious beliefs that
it could take awhile to explain it, especially to
younger children.
When discussing it with your children, it is important
to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good
foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the
conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to
keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also
important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes
the same thing. |
Show your children the Romans 12:2 "And do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Explain to
them that God does not want us to do what everyone else
in the world thinks is acceptable, but He wants us to be
special and do only the things that he thinks is
acceptable.
You can also explain to your children that Halloween is
simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the
dangerous items that have been given out to children who
are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to
reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they
don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told
all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else
from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is
encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns of Christian parents is the
connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even
though new traditions, such as trick or treating and
dressing up in costumes may seem innocent - but many
people feel it is glorifying things that go against
Christian beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining
the history behind the traditions, it might help
children understand why, instead of just, “because we
said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources
could help lead the conversation. Although not all the
experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions,
most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a
family instead of the traditional Halloween activities.
Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with
your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah
Night” where they get together and play games. This
year, our church is having a Harvest of Blessing
Festival on October 31st. Even if your church doesn’t
have a similar activity, I'm sure one nearby will have a
Festival you can attend. And if there's nothing near
your home, you can still do something as a family. You
could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly
movie night. Your children could even invite other
friends.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain
consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to
apply the same standards to other things that fall into
the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example,
if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the
connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid
books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be
confusing to the children.
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If you think you'll need help having this conversation,
try this book:
$4.99 |
Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween?
By Linda Hacon Winwood / Destiny Image
Children ask the toughest questions! As a parent, you want to give them the best answers. This children's book will help answer tough questions simply, biblically, and lovingly. Christ-centered and sensitively written, it will help satisfy the curiosity of even the most inquisitive children.
For parents who need help explaining why they don' celebrate Halloween, here's kid-friendly resource to make it easier! Linda Hacon Winwood's black-and-white illustrated story explains the holiday's pagan origins and its disputed historic relationship to All Saints Day. Includes a suggested lesson plan. Recommended for ages 4 to 7.
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Recommended Reading:
Quiet Time Bible Guide
The Power of a Praying Parent
Bible Devotions for Bedtime
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