And the list goes on and on for alternatives to “enjoy this season”.

Of course what it really mean is that you don’t believe in Halloween but want to celebrate it anyway. I hear the word alternative being used but an alternative of kids dressing up and getting candy by having kids dress up and come to your church for candy…not very “alternative.”

Who are we fooling? What kind of message are we sending?

If you don’t like Halloween, don’t celebrate it. You have a legitimate argument that could be made against it. Giving it a new name doesn’t change a thing and the only one you’re fooling is yourself.

Happy Holiday
How does it make you feel when someone says “Happy Holiday” during Christmas? Do they fool you? Do you realize they’re just being ignorant in their lame attempt to be “sensitive”? Does it just get under your skin? Do you even think of shopping somewhere else?

I wonder if people think the same way when we say “Fall Harvest” instead of Halloween?

Let’s talk about those costumes.
What about the criteria “no scary costumes, God honoring costumes, etc.”? I think it’s just silly. I’ve handed out the candy, I’ve seen the costumes and no one has ever come to the door that’s going to give anyone nightmares.

What message do you send when you put that criteria in place? You’re telling people they can come to your party – if they look and act like you. Why can’t we let people come into church as themselves? Aren’t “those people” the people you say you want to reach? Honestly, if a kid wants to come to church dressed up as dracula…knock yourself out, have some candy. And when they ask you “aren’t I scary” go ahead and be honest “Yes you are, but you know what? God still loves you.”

And let’s not forget, when you give the criteria “bible characters only” you open yourselves to demons, prostitutes, evil spirits – not to mention adam & eve. What about the Holy “Ghost” does that qualify? I’ve just always thought that was funny.

Political
I understand that a large reason for the renaming is that many people would be upset if you had a “Halloween” party in the house of God. No one likes angry letters. I get that. What if you used it as an opportunity for a conversation about reaching people, about being slow to judge and quick to have open arms.

If you think Halloween is evil don’t rename it, just skip it. But if you’re going to have a party, be the place to be. Knock it out of the park. Have the most fun, the best candy, the biggest games…make church the place to be on Halloween.

Use it as an opportunity, not a stumbling block.