If you’re considering alternatives to Halloween, today I’m sharing 10 ideas and activities you can do with your kids instead of celebrating Halloween.
“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31
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 in November. 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.”
related: 10 More Ideas for Christians Who Don’t Celebrate Halloween
10 Alternatives to Halloween for Christians
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.
related: Q & A: Door to Door Witnessing
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! {You could also share some good literature while you’re at it.
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.
I understand that many families say that they don’t celebrate the evil themes usually associated with Halloween. I also understand it’s fun to get dressed up and wear fun costumes. However, I personally believe that the evil surrounding the day is too great to play around with. If you’re children go trick or treating, they are more than likely going to be exposed to evil and disturbing images.
I grew up trick or treating. I grew up doing a lot of things I would never let my own children do. When we play with evil, however seemingly innocent, we open the door to our hearts to allow Satan and his demons to come in.
The Bible is very clear about witchcraft, mediums, sorcery, and demons. We are not to make light of these subjects. We are to reject them wholeheartedly.
We, as Christians, are in a war not against flesh, but evil.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12
Whatever you do, do for the glory of God!
More Faith Based Alternative Ideas for Halloween
Prayer Pumpkins
Use pumpkins as a tangible reminder to pray! A fun activity for kids of all ages, these Prayer Pumpkins have become a fall tradition.
How to Throw a Reformation Party
Find out how to throw a Reformation Party, so your kids (and you!) can have fun learning about the Reformation!
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