This is such a touchy subject for some Christians, and it all boils down to one question. Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Fall is right around the corner, and you’re probably faced with the same questions and criticism that most Christians are at this time of year. The closer that October, and Halloween, are, the more eager people seem to be in regards to making light of a hot topic.
I know that many people make excuses when it comes to celebrating Halloween, especially mainstream Christians. But, in efforts to make a short point, I ask this simple question.
Does Halloween edify God?
If you’re like me, and you think that Christians Shouldn’t Celebrate Halloween, then this list of Alternative Halloween Activities for Christians is just for you.
But, this isn’t just a post filled with non-Halloween activities. It’s also a list of great things that your family can participate in during this Fall season.
First, it’s important to realize that children don’t always understand the sacrifices that we make as Christians. But it’s still important to explain the reasons behind our decisions with them.
Instead of focusing on activities that you’re family won’t be participating in, try to create new traditions for your own family that will make Halloween special in your own way.
Providing them with different, wholesome, options also helps give them something to look forward to, instead of focusing on the fact that they won’t be participating in the secular traditions of Halloween.
This list focuses on exactly that. Providing wholesome entertaining activities for your family to participate in during Halloween and the Fall season.
Sidenote: I have not read this book, but it does have good reviews. If you struggle to answer those hard questions your kids may be asking about Halloween, it may be worth taking a look "Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween?"
Some people have suggested that there is no need for alternatives to Halloween. And, there are some instances of that statement that I can agree with.
But, when it comes to my children, when it comes to young people, and new converts- all of which are impressionable and delicate- I feel like alternatives are the church's method of reaching them on a level that helps personify the body of believers.
It becomes an outreach, a fellowship, and a time of reformation. So thus, my response becomes simple, yet complicated. But there is a difference between celebrating Halloween and celebrating Fall.
There are some important aspects to realize here:
- Not participating is taking a stand against it.
- Giving Christian alternatives to Halloween can help new converts to have a safe space for withstanding the draws of secular life.
- By providing an alternative, we can also be a light to others while fellowshipping with other believers.
- What the devil means for evil, God can turn it around for good.
Alternative Halloween Activities for Christian Families
Fall Outing Ideas for Families
Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards, and Corn Mazes are always fun to visit in the Fall! Lots of cities have them open locally with fun activities and themed days for families to enjoy!
Going leaf hunting, or creating a Fall Notebooking Adventure gives you the opportunity to get outdoors and explore your own backyard or park.
You can even plan to visit your local garden or botanical area during different times of the year to see the variety of plants and vegetation there is during different seasons. If you homeschool, this is a great educational experience about how the weather brings new changes!
There’s always the opportunity to go tailgating in the Fall and it’s also a great way to spend time together while ringing in the new season and cheering on your favorite team!
Autumn Craft Night
Having a craft night is a great alternative to trick or treating!
If you’re like me and you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, then Pinterest is literally your best friend when it comes to things like this.
Remember those apple orchards, pumpkin patches, leaf hunts, and corn mazes we talked about earlier? If you bring home some goodies, this is a great time to use them!
Bob for apples, make candy apples, apple cider, craft fun Fall themed snack ideas with them! If you went to the pumpkin patch, plan to decorate your pumpkins in a fun way; painting, bedazzling, carving- your choice!
Craft Your Snack Night
Is it still considered a cookout if you're cooking in?
These Easy Acorn Cookies from Ann's Entitled Life are so simple and good for small hands! If you're still on an apple kick, try these Caramel Apple Popcorn Balls from Busy Creating Memories.
If you carved pumpkins, make use of those leftover seeds with Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds from This Old Gal. Gingerbread has to be added to your fall list, and these Gingerbread Fall Leaves from The Monday Box look amazing!
Pumpkin Patch Parable
You may not be a big fan of carving pumpkins because of some of the old tales that linger around. But, while we’re putting a spin on this wacky holiday by providing some really good Christian Alternatives for Halloween, why not put a spin on carving pumpkins?
The Pumpkin Patch Parable is a great story about how God takes us, cleans us up, and makes something beautiful out of us- just like carving pumpkins!
We did the Pumpkin Patch Parable in my preschool Sunday School class last year and it was a huge hit! The kids absolutely love watching the pumpkin come to life, and I love that we're having fun and learning about Jesus! I can't wait to do it as a family this year!
Family Movie Night
Swap out the gore, the creepiness, and the lack of Godliness Halloween creates for a fun, clean family movie night!
Find a great family-friendly Christian movie that you'll all enjoy. Maybe help the kids to create some of those yummy snacks above and then just sit back and enjoy that family time together!
We really love JellyTelly to catch some of our favorite Bible shows.
Our list of clean shows on Netflix is a gamechanger if you’re looking for a new binge-worthy show. But for a movie night, try out some of Our Favorite Faith and Family movies!
Before you choose your movie, don’t be surprised by that one scene you forgot about! Enter your movie into one of these Christian Movie Review Sites so that you can be sure your family time remains wholesome!
Visit a Church Fall Fest
Around this time of year, there are always church fairs and fests that you can enjoy! Most churches provide options that are safe and family-friendly so that everyone can get involved.
While these are church functions, they are also community-friendly. This is a great opportunity to be a light to your community and fellowship with the people in it! Make friends and have fun!
Have a Non-Halloween Party
Throw a themed party at your home and encourage people to get involved. Have a cookie decorating party, a cookoff, do one of those Fall-themed scavenger hunts.
Whatever you do, you can be proud that you allowed your home to be an open door to faith-filled-fun for others to enjoy!
What kind of alternative Halloween activities do you participate in? Do you have any un-Halloween traditions for your family?
