October 31st is a day that children across the country anticipate. The thought of carving pumpkins, dressing up in costumes and having bags filled with treats is almost more than any kid can handle.
Some parents wrestle with whether Halloween should
be one of their family’s celebrated holidays.
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However, a number of parents wrestle with whether Halloween should be one of their family’s celebrated holidays. Particularly in Christian households, Halloween can be a controversial topic.
If you have decided that it’s best for your family to celebrate autumn or harvest time as an alternative, take a look at these child-friendly tips:
• Discover how you can transform a jack-o’-lantern into a faith lesson with your children by simply carving a happy-faced pumpkin.
• Dress your children in costumes that focus on history, pretend or fantasy, rather than on the macabre or occult –– Bible heroes, Abraham Lincoln, the American flag, sailors, cowboys, Indians, ballerinas, princesses, doctors, firefighters.
• Keep safety in mind if you allow your children to trick-or-treat. Be sure to accompany them and go only to houses of familiar neighbors and friends.
• Find out which churches in your area are planning harvest parties. Kids can go to these celebrations dressed in fun costumes, have their treat bags filled with goodies and enjoy playing organized games. Some churches even provide inflatable slides, petting zoos, cotton candy and kids’ movies.
— Dianne LaBorie
