As a Christian, I've never been brought up to enjoy Halloween. As a child myself we'd go to a big party at Church instead, where all families were invited, and the community as well to do crafts, watch fireworks, have a bonfire and eat hotdogs.
And now we have Joel, it seems harder to avoid Halloween. It's everywhere this year. Commercialism has completely taken over. The shops in the high street are decked out in orange and black with cobwebs everywhere. I dislike the commercialism of it a lot. It does feel a bit as though we're being duped into having a holiday forced on us and people are going for it.
As a country we do like an excuse for a party, and this year, I'm evaluating my thoughts on the whole Halloween in light of having Joel.
His nursery were having a Halloween party today. I'd told them Joel wouldn't be dressing up, but would be attending and it made me worry that this was the last year he'd not notice he looked different. My friend from Church also said Trudy wouldn't be dressed up. Then they changed the theme to bonfire. Whether this was for us or other parents didn't want the Halloween conotation I don't know.
On taking Joel this morning, half the children were pumpkins or skeletons, some were princesses and about half were in normal clothes. Joel was wearing a dinosaur jumper with jeans. Maybe he could have been a pirate or something like that. I just didn't know what to do for the best.
Am I wrong to dislike Halloween? It just holds conotations of evil and paganism for me, and I really dislike trick or treaters. As a Christian we believe in evil. And yes, we believe that Jesus has conquered it so why should I be afraid or feel that Halloween is letting the devil win?! I disagree with letting children going to knock on strangers doors and beg for chocolates and how greedy it makes them. I hate having surly teenagers appear at my door just wearing a 'scream' mask and expecting to be given chocolate and if it's not good enough, telling me so. I don't think that's a good example to set children. I'd like Joel to become a polite boy!!
But am I being a bad Christan by being a party pooper? Will Joel resent not being allowed to participate? What I think I might have to do is organise a proper party next year in a hall. I'd not mind fancy dress, and chocolate but under proper supervision, and with an emphasis on family and fun. Because who minds a bit of apple bobbing or doughnuts on a string? Games are fun. I guess shutting myself away and ignoring it is not the way to go anymore!
I've listened to a talk given by our minister on a podcast :- link here if interested and I think I do need to evaulate where I stand on the matter and remember that in Jesus, we already have the victory and focus on the family fun side in an evangical setting. Which I guess we're called to do in the Bible anyway. We should use Halloween to be in the world and encourage others, and share the good news. This may sound a bit bible bashy to some, but I wouldn't have it any other way!!
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