We don't celebrate Halloween at our house, but I remember it happily as a child. When we had our own kids, we laid down some rules---one being that we'd not do Halloween.
October 31st used to be a blast, though. Those plastic masks with the elastic string around the back of your head, and those sweet nylon costumes that tied around your neck and back---all good memories. Plus, oftentimes having to wear sweaters under the costume (which we all hated) since sometimes we'd get a cold snap come Halloween night. Sadly enough, folks began doing wicked things with the holiday by putting dangerous things in kids' bags, plus I admit the church community has been lavish with their criticism of pagan holidays. I've been part of that movement, too, but not so much anymore. Guess I've mellowed.
But considering that I know folks who follow up the avoidance of worldly customs---even going so far as to not putting up Christmas trees or allowing Santas to be part of their decorations, I think they're missing out on some fun. And while we do celebrate the true meaning of our Lord's birthday and resurrection, the trimmings of stockings on Christmas Eve and baskets filled for Easter morning are also part of our ritual.
As to Halloween, we spend it celebrating our middle daughter's birthday, and carve a pumpkin with her name on it. With a lit candle nestled inside, our table decorations take a festive air. Then we pull down the shades, turn off the outside lights and focus on her. No candy for children at the door, and all attention is on our girl. For us, it works.
I'm not so determined to be right anymore regarding certain issues. It's not as important to me to be thought of as a hardline Christian. I do enjoy Harry P*tter movies, Twilight, and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Doesn't make me any less saved, but is a more honest portrayal of who I am. Just goes to show that a believer doesn't have to fake their interests in order to be true. It's all a bit more complicated than that.
October 31st used to be a blast, though. Those plastic masks with the elastic string around the back of your head, and those sweet nylon costumes that tied around your neck and back---all good memories. Plus, oftentimes having to wear sweaters under the costume (which we all hated) since sometimes we'd get a cold snap come Halloween night. Sadly enough, folks began doing wicked things with the holiday by putting dangerous things in kids' bags, plus I admit the church community has been lavish with their criticism of pagan holidays. I've been part of that movement, too, but not so much anymore. Guess I've mellowed.
But considering that I know folks who follow up the avoidance of worldly customs---even going so far as to not putting up Christmas trees or allowing Santas to be part of their decorations, I think they're missing out on some fun. And while we do celebrate the true meaning of our Lord's birthday and resurrection, the trimmings of stockings on Christmas Eve and baskets filled for Easter morning are also part of our ritual.
As to Halloween, we spend it celebrating our middle daughter's birthday, and carve a pumpkin with her name on it. With a lit candle nestled inside, our table decorations take a festive air. Then we pull down the shades, turn off the outside lights and focus on her. No candy for children at the door, and all attention is on our girl. For us, it works.
I'm not so determined to be right anymore regarding certain issues. It's not as important to me to be thought of as a hardline Christian. I do enjoy Harry P*tter movies, Twilight, and Bram Stoker's Dracula. Doesn't make me any less saved, but is a more honest portrayal of who I am. Just goes to show that a believer doesn't have to fake their interests in order to be true. It's all a bit more complicated than that.
