Halloween has once again dragged up questions among the Christian community about whether and how to participate in this particular "holiday." The concerns about Halloween (to sum up) are its allegedly dark roots and what it means and how it might harm our kids. Hmm.
I like Halloween.
Of course I'm not celebrating darkness. And of course I'm not worshiping evil or the evil one. What I am doing is participating in a silly American tradition.
I like the costumes -- silly and scary and beautiful; homemade, store bought, creative and pathetic. I love them all. And then, the "run around" that takes place on our street -- meeting neighbors, smiling, sharing, playing with friends, eating sweets (what could be better?!?!?!). Handing out candy to people at the door -- smiling, shouting, recruiting more takers.
What's not to like?
Then there's the pumpkin carving. The creativity of the designs shock me more every year. I love seeing the photos and watching the competitions. This year, our competition was off, but our fun was ON. The kids had a great time carving their own (for once!).
I haven't said one word to my children about Halloween being dark or evil or unnecessarily scary. I am as cautious on Halloween as I am on any other day. And you know what? My kids think it's fun and silly. They think it's all about dressing up and getting candy. And that's it. If they veer off course in the future? I'll steer them back, just like I will on the eleventy billion other things that could take them off course.
After all, not unlike every last thing in their little lives, our children will make of Halloween what we tell them of Halloween.
Here was our Halloween 2014:
Does that look scary and dark to you?
Yea, me neither.
Yea, me neither.
