The Lost Halloween

My memories of Halloween are joyful ones. I grew up in MS in the 80's. Our neighborhood was wonderful! The kind you see on TV. Just about all the families knew each other. Halloween was a wonderful time and children filled the streets rushing from one house to another. My best friend & I would come home with our pillow cases filled just about the top! I remember some nights we could hardly twist it to toss it over our shoulders!

I have feared at times that those days are gone. I was about 16 when my family moved to GA. Our neighborhood streets were very dark. So dark I remember being scared as I slowly walked from house to house trick or treating! I was shocked to come home and find our candy bowl still full since we hardly had any visitors.

After my first child I couldn't wait to take her out for Halloween. But my husband & I had doubts. We were a young Christian couple struggling with the idea of not celebrating Halloween.

Most of our friends would take their children to church for Halloween. The church would hold a "Fall Festival". The place was set up like a fair with games and the children were dressed up in cute costumes. Yet I was sad my daughter couldn't have the same fun memories I had of Halloween.

My husband & I avoided the standard Halloween & followed the example of other church members. But one year we did take my little girl out and most homes were dark. A few people didn't even have any candy to hand out for Halloween! I remember one collage student gave my little girl a poptart!

I started to mourn the loss of Halloween. I did hear other parents saying they would take their kids to the mall for Trick or Treating. I thought that sounded weird. I mean trick or treating at stores? Not my idea of fun. So we didn't do much for a few years on Halloween night.

By the time my third child was born in 2001 I had read a few Christian books on Halloween. I studied the history of the holiday and I was kind of shocked to learn it was a pagan holiday honoring the dead. I struggled inward wondering if I should allow my children to even "do" Halloween. I mean we were a Christian family and from what these books said Christians shouldn't celebrate Halloween. But after a lot of thought, discussion with my husband and prayer I figured "Why not?" I had wonderful memories of dressing up, getting candy and scaring myself. I wanted the same for my children. We wouldn't be worshiping the dead on Halloween. We'd be going out, having fun and enjoying each other as a family.

My husband & I have started the tradition of taking our kids to the mall for Trick or Treating. Yes the mall! Ofcourse it isn't the same as running around a neighborhood but in these days it is a lot safer. We've learned to get there early before all the candy runs out and the kids enjoy looking at all other children dressed up. They also get a kick out of the store owners all decked out too.

Last year we joined my inlaws in trick or treating around their town. A small area of town stores were all handing out candy one afternoon. We walked miles it seemed and the children loved it. Plus mom and dad got plenty of exercise.

The neighborhood we live in is a safe neighborhood and well lit. The past few years we have seen cars following groups of trick or treaters door to door. Still we may only hear our door bell ring 5 times at the most each year.

I am trying hard to gasp a hold of the "New" Halloween. These days the prices of costumes are unbelievable. It would cost about $60 or more to buy costumes for my three children. We usually stop by the store for marked down costumes the before or the day of Halloween. Other times I try my best to come up with some creative that we can make at home.

So is Halloween really lost? Sure it is different from the 80's but so are a lot of things. Should you celebrate Halloween if you are a Christian or feel it is against your religion? I'd say that is up to you. I really struggled with the idea for a few years. I would have to say that it is something you should decided as a family. I try not to look at Halloween as an evil and scary night. I try to view it as the coming of fall, enjoying all the fall colors and looking forward to the coming holidays.

My family is eagerly preparing for Halloween. My children are having fun drawing pumpkins, thinking about what they want to be for Halloween & dreaming of all the candy they will get. Reminds me of my childhood days & I am thrilled to share it with my kids. I hope you can too.