Why I Let My Kids Go Trick-or-Treating
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[4 Comments]
I can recall October 31, 1992, quite vividly. My daughter, Paris, was five, our son, Jordan, was three, and my baby, Capri, was only five months old. While Paris knew all about costumes and free candy, my husband, Frank, and I made sure she also knew why our family didn't celebrate Halloween.
Earlier that month, we'd politely informed Paris's kindergarten teacher she wouldn't be participating in any songs or activities that involved jack-o-lanterns, witches, black cats, or goblins. And we'd reassured Paris she could get candy from us any day of the year. Nonetheless, not wanting to seem unfriendly to our neighbors, I readied bags of candy to pass out to the other children who populated our tree-lined street.
At 4:30 p.m., our first flock of visitors arrived: Snow White, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Yogi Bear with Boo Boo (brothers in real life), a ballerina, and a sailor. They looked so cute! Then, just before dark, the doorbell rang five times—obviously an impatient trick-or-treater. There at my open door stood a herd of about a dozen eager children, cautiously watched from the street by moms I'd met at PTA meetings. As my two children distributed the candy, I cradled the baby and stepped past the crowded doorway and onto the stoop.
"Hi, Ellie!" shouted Debbie, the PTA president. "We haven't seen you at any meetings recently. We're starting to plan for the spring fair. Let me know which booth you'd like to man. I recall you have some talent!"
I continued to burp the newborn and assured Debbie I'd attend the next meeting. Then, as I headed into the house, Debbie called out, "Hey, why aren't your kids trick-or-treating? No costume? No candy? No fun?"
I swallowed hard. She and her entourage were waiting—and wondering. Their herd of kids had run to the next house, the women had grown quiet, and for a moment, I could hear the autumn air.
"Well, we don't really celebrate Halloween. It's, ugh, a bit complicated."
They turned and walked away, but not before Debbie threw up her arms and shouted back with raw emotion, "But they're only children!"
"They're only children." Debbie's words provoked in me a strange sense of sorrow for myself and my kids. After all, Frank's one of four children, and I'm one of five. Growing up, we trick-or-treated our heads off—and it was fun.
Granted, those were different days. Safety was not an issue. And the evil that some now associate with Halloween didn't seem to exist. Today we live in a more hostile, less predictable world. Still, Debbie's retort kept echoing in my mind.
The next year, our children dressed as Bible characters and went to the Harvest Party at church. Eight girls in princess costumes identified themselves as Queen Esther, and an awful lot of candy was consumed that night. A year after that, we left New York for the kinder, gentler lifestyle of Virginia.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 1999, September/October, Vol. 21, Issue 5, Page 94
Related Topics:
Children, Halloween, parenting
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Patricia
Temperance is part of the gifts of the spirit. I believe that in everything ask what would Jesus do. I know that reality shows are the in thing now but just sit and think a little, how would this be pleasing to God. Our relationship with our Father is first, and if we are sound in that, then our hearts will be in the right place to be effective in wherever we are. The origins of Halloween is really not of God, our churches offer an alternative so that our Children do not miss out, but we praise God and have loads of fun. That's all I have to say.
Thankyou!!
I have a 5 year old and a 1 year old. We have not done halloween before although my MIL has pushed it hard. This year I decided to let them do it. My 5yo is a clown (she is SO cute) and my 1yo is a cow (bell and all). My husand and I also trick or treated as kids. But I agree it was so much different back then. When I read what you said about taking back the holiday. I had thought the same thing. We are on the path of giving over Christmas. In 100 years it is not going to have anything to do with Christ it will just be another worldly hoilday unless we stop it now and take it back. Again thanks for helping me see that i am not wrong for allowing my children to do this.
cjw
Why not encourage and invite your child's friends and their parents to attend some of the indoor events sponsored by local churches, where they can also get all the candy they want with good christian games and atmosphere. Many of these events are called Halleluhiah Parties. Many people gravitate to these without realizing it because they know they are much safer and it's really where they and their family should be, plus I think these are a great witness to the local community.I've also seen many carve pumkins with christian messages and the candles that light them are symbolic to the light of Jesus, for He is the light of the world.I truly believe evil can be turned to portray good, it's just a matter of taking a stand against evil, and showing the good side of Jesus.
Holly
To Marjorie Fowler- It's so sad to hear you say it is not your job to ensure that your children have a fun and happy childhood, as well as love & fear God. It is, indeed, a parent's job to create a happy childhood for their children. When my kids grow up, I know they will say, "My mom was great fun, a Christian, loved us and made sure we had a joyful upbringing". I hope your kids will have a sliver of joy growing up, instead of being bombarded by all your legalism. God does intend joy in our day-to-day lives. Halloween for the Christian is about having fun, dressing up, getting candy, playing games. Their childhood will be OVER in a flash. I refuse to have regrets about bringing joy to the childhood of my beauties. They're too precious. I won't steal their joy away, thus creating rebellion later in life, as well as resentment of me and/or God. They will be presented the truth of Christ: loving, gracious, giving, and indeed: FUN. God bless your family. Kudos to the author.
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