 do all to the glory of God." ~1 Corinthians 10:31~ For Christians, Halloween is the most difficult holiday to deal with. It's evil is so
disconcerting yet, Halloween holds a bit of charm for us as we remember our childhood experiences with the day.
Your children hear about this holiday and its "fun" from their school friends and they want to
participate too. It is difficult, at best, to explain to young children why they can't go trick or treating like their friends.
Don't take fun away from your children. Give them an opportunity for fun. After all, there is nothing bad about dressing up and getting a bag full of candy. Hey, they might even share. However, if you choose not to let your children participate in Halloween activites, that is absolutely fine. Some will tell us that our children don't need an "alternative" or "substitute" for Halloween. That is true. What you do on or around Halloween should be the norm, not the "alternative". By glorifying God on Halloween we can "overcome evil with good"
but overcome evil with good." ~Roman 12:21~ As Christians we can take a different approach to this holiday, much like we do with Christmas, and shine the Light for Jesus on Halloween. For Jesus himself tells us in His Sermon on the Mount : that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16~ So let's heed the words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and let our light shine on a day that is typically known for it's evil.  We will not judge you for the way you choose to handle this holiday, but we would like to give you some ideas to help you decide what is "right for your family" concerning Halloween. The following are some suggestions for your consideration.  1. Don't turn out the lights and ignore it. Halloween won't go away and the constant banging on the door or bell ringing will make you crazy. 2. Determine to turn a negative into a positive. Buy some candy and answer the door. Your whole family can dress up as Bible charaters or something fun and take turns handing out candy. Play some good Christian music on the stereo and turn it up loud enough so the "trick or treaters" and their parents can hear it. 3. Take your family out for "Dinner and a Movie" 4. If you would rather not risk having your vehicle "egged" or "creamed" or both, why not stay home and have a special family dinner that the kids help you create and rent a family movie to watch together. 5. Take your children trick or treating in your neighborhood and pass out tracts to those who are gracious enough to give your little children candy. 6. Have a party at your house. This can either be a family affair or you can invite others to join in the fun. Let the kids dress up and play games using seasonal candy for prizes. Make sure you let the kids win a few pieces of candy too. [GRIN] 7. Use Halloween as an evangelistic tool. Just about everyone answers the door on Halloween, so you and a family member or friend can hand out tracts and talk to your neighbors about the Lord Jesus Christ. 8. Take your children to the Harvest party at your church and if your church isn't having one, take them to a neighboring church for some good Christian fun. 9. Buy a pumpkin and carve a cross in it, symbolizing that Jesus is the light of the world. 10. PRAY! 1. If you are a woman alone, we do not recommend that you answer your door on Halloween, unless there is another adult with you. Invite a friend to spend the evening with you.
2. If you choose not to wear a costume, wear your "fun" clothes and a cross pendant or some religious jewelry. The kids will notice.
3. Be sweet! Talk to the children and wave or speak to their parents.
4. PRAY!
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