Halloween is a time of year that brings out many differing opinions in Christian parents. There are Christian parents who say, “It’s all in fun, we’re all in!” And there are others who keep their children away from all Halloween celebrations because it is considered the devil’s day.
In reality, is there a way not to have our children feel like they are outcasts every year on Halloween? Shouldn’t there be a way for them to enjoy the festivities of the holiday all while understanding limits?
Every year, Halloween decorations seem to be sold in stores earlier and earlier. Once the high heat of summer dies down even a little, Halloween items are in full display. Everywhere we take our children, they get the dreaded question, “What are you going to be for Halloween?“
Let’s talk about some ways that we can keep our Christian stand and still allow our kids to celebrate the season.
Christian Halloween Decoration Ideas
God loves pumpkins, acorns, leaves, wagons, candles, and bales of hay! Use lots of fall decorations with different colors and sizes in your decor. Take the kids to a pumpkin patch and let them choose a special pumpkin. One idea is to put out the pumpkins without carving out the face. Or, if your kids are begging to carve the pumpkin, instead of a spooky face, carve a cross or the word Jesus! Here’s a great example by @daringdaughters.
Another idea is to put a fun sign in your yard! Here is a yard sign you can make at home that shares your faith and keeps the fun.
And this outdoor sign from Amazon that shows that God does not give you anything to fear.
Watch “Not-so scary” Halloween Movies
Kids love when their entire family gets together for a movie night! Pop popcorn, bring out the candy and treats, grab blankets, and settle in for a fun “not-so-scary” movie night. There’s no need for horror and fear to enjoy yourself with this list of fun movies!
For the little ones:
- Casper
- Monsters, Inc.
- Scared Shrekless
- The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
- Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
- Coraline
- Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Party
For the older child:
- A Series of Unfortunate Events
- Hocus Pocus 1 & 2
- Matilda
- Twitches
- The House with a Clock in its Walls
- A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting
- Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire
- Freaky Friday
Christian Halloween Costumes
One of the main reasons kids enjoy Halloween is the chance to dress up! Every store you go in is filled with scary costumes like witches, vampires, and ghosts. As a Christian, there are ways to let your kids dress up without being these kinds of characters!
First, costumes are not limited to Halloween. Kids of all ages can play “dress up” in costumes all times of the year. Children will not be as excited to dress up for Halloween if they are able to wear their dress up clothes and costumes at home whenever they want to play.
However, if your son or daughter does want to dress up on Halloween, let them dress up as an animal, an angel, or even a Bible character! This “David and Goliath” parent/child costume set and “Armor of God” costume is a fun idea by @waynation!
Celebrate All Saints Day
All Saints Day, which falls the day after Halloween, is the celebration of all the saints of Christian history. Families usually celebrate this holiday by attending a church service, giving gifts, and having a celebratory meal. In some households, children get together with friends or family members and dress up in costumes. This costume idea, by @BlossomingJoy, is an adorable little girl dressed up as Mother Teresa!
It’s hard to keep our kids completely away from Halloween festivities. From school parties to store windows, Halloween is all around us from late August through the end of October. Let’s remember to let God’s light and kindness shine through us no matter what the holiday or season; only then, will we teach our children to keep faith, values, and humanity at the forefront of their lives.
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