When you were in elementary school, did you ever have a friend whose parents banned them from celebrating Halloween? If not, take my word for it — there are few things in this world more depressing to witness.
In recent years it has become relatively common, especially in certain Christian circles, for parents confronted with the choice “Trick or Treat?” to choose “None of the above,” both for themselves and more importantly for their children. They cite the holiday’s alleged pagan roots or the purportedly dangerous, evil influences of witch costumes and ghost decorations. Some go so far as to claim that observing Halloween is akin to devil worship.
As Halloween approaches, I have a simple message for these parents: lighten up. Whatever the holiday’s meaning was thousands of years ago, today it is an innocent day meant for kids to don alien or ninja turtle costumes and eat lots of candy. Calling it ‘healthy’ fun might be a stretch, but clearly we’ve come a long way from communicating with spirits.
The History Channel’s website describes Halloween’s evolution succinctly: “Modern Halloween has become less about literal ghosts and ghouls and more about costumes and candy. The Celts used the day to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and also believed that this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead. Over the millennia the holiday transitioned from a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades and sweet treats for children and adults.”
Parents who insist on taking a moral stand are more concerned about making public displays of their own self-righteousness than with the spiritual well-being of their offspring. Trust me — isolating your child from their peers will only foster an aversion to the belief system forcing them to miss out on Halloween festivities. Instead, use the holiday as a teaching moment. Educate your kids about your personal beliefs regarding common Halloween motifs. Then put their Power Rangers costumes on, sling their candy bags over their shoulders and send them on their merry way.