10 Alternatives to Halloween

In our family we decided not to celebrate a holiday that celebrates pagan and satanic themes. We want to uplift our creator in everything we do – every day of the year. There are lots of ways to not celebrate Halloween, but still have a fun time together as a family. My children have no problem with missing out on things that are evil in order to take a stand for Jesus. This year we are going to our church’s Fall Festival. It will be lots of fun!

I personally believe our children should be taught that sometimes we don’t do certain things simply because they do not please God. It is a fact of life that there will be times when everyone around us is doing “something fun” that does not honor God. This is especially true once our children become teens. Sex, drugs, and alcohol can seem like a lot of “fun” and peer pressure will weigh down those who have not been taught how to “Just say no for Jesus.”

Once you have explained to your children why you will no longer be celebrating Halloween, or even if you have never celebrated the day, here are some ideas to make the Halloween night a night to banish evil and make Jesus the center “light.”

1. Go door to door passing out “treats” rather than receiving them! Explain that Jesus is the real treat and give them a tract to read, such as the ones at The American Tract Society.

2. Tape candy pieces to religious bookmarks or child friendly tracts and pass them out as the trick or treaters come to your door.

3. Attend a fall festival at a local church.

4. Invite friends over for a Bible Character costume party.

5. Stay home with your family and play board games all night. Talk to each other!

6. Go door to door collecting cans for the hungry for Thanksgiving and make baskets to give to local needy families at Thanksgiving. Get the church involved and increase your food bank supply!

7. Have a family communion.

8. Have a fall themed potluck dinner with other families. only serve foods such as apples, winter squash and soups.

9. Have a Family Day. Choose your families favorite activities: go to the park, visit a Christian bookstore, go out to eat… just make it special!

10. Have a group hayride. Sing song praising God. Some local farms may do this for a small fee.

Whatever you do, do for the glory of God!