How Should Christian Families Handle Halloween? 3 Options

Many Christian families have questions and doubts about Halloween.Is it appropriate for Christians to celebrate Halloween?What does the Bible say about Halloween?Is it possible to redeem Halloween? To have a Christian Halloween?Some might feel that it is 100% unacceptable for Christians to acknowledge Halloween, and in fact, I've been there. However, I've come to realize that there's more than one acceptable answer for Christians. The Holy Spirit works through us to accomplish goals that we cannot understand.If you feel convicted to modify your celebrations or lack thereof on October 31st, that conviction might be coming from the Holy Spirit.  He might be prompting you to protect your family more for this season, or the He might be prompting you to open your arms to your neighborhood with love. It comes down to this: If you feel it is wrong to celebrate Halloween but you do it anyway, that's sin.Does that sound harsh? Let's look at a Biblical parallel for clarity.There was a controversy in the early Church that Paul had to address. Some people felt that eating meat sacrificed to idols was sinful. Almost all meat available in the markets was dedicated to false Gods, so some Christians decided that it would be better to never eat meat again than to support that practice. It seems Paul wasn't one of them, and he stood in a moderate position.

"But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning." Romans 14:23

So. If you feel that you should not celebrate Halloween but you let your children's friends, your friends, or your family force you into celebrating anyway, that's a sin.If you feel that Halloween is permissible but you judge other Christians who do hold back, that's also sin. Paul writes some surprising words to the Roman church:

"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."Romans 14:1-5

That sounds like it's referring to American holidays, but Halloween was not even invented yet, so it wasn't the controversy of the day. It's actually referring to some new Christians who wanted to continue the required Jewish tradition of fasting once or twice a week, not out of personal conviction, but rather regulating everyone to do it.So, it's not talking about Halloween, but there's a Biblical principle that I'd like for you to notice. That last phrase of Romans 14:5 is golden."Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."On matters that do not have explicit commands in Scripture, there is Christian liberty. For example: the Bible clearly says to not kill. But the Bible doesn't particularly say anything about capitalism, for instance. 

What? Are you saying it's okay to celebrate Halloween!?!

Hold your horses. There is a explicit command that Christians need to be aware of that relates to Halloween. 

The Bible makes it clear that Spiritual warfare is not to be messed with.

Satan is real and so are his tricks. We shouldn't participate in Halloween the same way the rest of the world does.The Bible makes this clear.

"For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness."1 Thessalonians 5:5

and...

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."1 Peter 5:8

 [bctt tweet="As Christian parents, we should use October 31st to guide our children and to win lost souls." username="christcentermom"]   

If you are a Christian family trying to navigate Halloween, here's the options as I see them:

1- Turn Your Porch Light Off (Or, go leave your house and do an unrelated activity)

Pros: You'll protect your family.You'll probably be able to start conversations with those around you about why you choose to skip Halloween. Use it as an opportunity to share about the Holy God.If the Holy Spirit seems to be calling you to do this, you're right to do it.Cons: You might miss an opportunity to introduce Christ to a neighbor.Less candy, but... hey. Maybe not if you make a trip to a candy store. :) 

2- Celebrate Reformation Day instead

Do you know what Reformation Day is? Last year was the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 Theses to the wall of his local church. He was a monk and meant to reform the Catholic church and hold fast to the Scripture, particularly regarding how people are saved. It's a great conversation starter to talk to your kids about what you believe about the Bible. My friend, Cassie at Reformed Mama, wrote a roundup of resources about Reformation Day if you want more information.Pros: You can use the Halloween season as an opportunity to speak to your kids about church history and apologetics.If the Holy Spirit seems to be calling you to do this, you're right to do it.Cons: No dressing up, although I do know some people that dress up as Martin Luther or other reformers.  

3- Welcome kids on your front door and hand out Gospel Tracts or Church invitations (Make sure to include the GOOD candy or a fun special treat!)

Pros: You might make new friends. You might even introduce someone to Christ for the first time.If the Holy Spirit seems to be calling you to do this, you're right to do it.Cons: You might encounter hatred from parents who don't want you to invite their child to church. (Even though they are on your doorstep 😒)You also might encounter children or teens dressed as characters that are too scary for younger children.  [bctt tweet="Use October 31st as a day to teach your children about what is right and to explain to onlookers why you live the life that you live." username="christcentermom"]Use October 31st to guide your children and to win the lost.There's more than one way to do this. We don't celebrate Halloween like the rest of the world does, but there is liberty and grace for Christian families.If you are trying to be spiritually intentional with how you parent on October 31st, and listening to the Holy Spirit's guidance, you are doing your job.Christ won over the grave. Our lives are to be examples of that power.  See also: Self-Care for Christian Moms - Smart or Selfish?

What about you?

How do you spend October 31st? What is your conviction? Did I miss any options/ideas in my list? Please share below.