How to Explain to Your Kids Why You Don’t Celebrate Halloween
Halloween has come under a close scrutiny by families over the last few years. Some have chosen to not celebrate Halloween because of the connection to pagan and satanic beliefs, others for safety reasons. It can be hard for children to understand parents’ decisions, especially when they see their friends going trick or treating without them or when they are not allowed to attend a party. The history of Halloween blends so many different ideas from so many cultures and religious beliefs that it could take awhile to explain it, especially to younger children.
When discussing it with your children, it is important to discuss your beliefs first. They must have a good foundation or they won’t understand the rest of the conversation and the reasons “why”. It is important to keep things simple in terms they understand. It is also important to discuss the fact that not everyone believes the same thing.
Many families feel that it’s simply too scary, with all the strange costumes and the dangerous items that have been given out to children who are trick or treating. This can also be a good time to reinforce the dangers of taking things from people they don’t know. It can be confusing to children to be told all year that they shouldn’t take candy or anything else from strangers, and then one night of the year, it is encouraged.
One of the biggest concerns parents have is the connection to the occult, witchcraft and Satanism. Even though new traditions, such as trick or treating and dressing up in costumes may seem innocent, many people feel it is glorifying things that go against their beliefs and should be avoided. By explaining the history behind the traditions, it might help children understand why, instead of just, “because we said so.” Doing a little research from trusted sources could help lead the conversation. Although not all the experts agree on the origins of some of the traditions, most point to similar information.
It is also important to talk about what you can do as a family instead of the traditional Halloween activities. Your family can still have fun, but be more aligned with your beliefs. Many church groups have a “Hallelujah Night” where they get together and play games. Many churches hold this night of fellowship near Halloween as an alternative to the holiday. Even if your church doesn’t have a similar activity, you could do something as a family. You could have a game and pizza night or a family friendly movie night. Your children could even invite other friends so they feel less left out.
An important thing to keep I mind is to remain consistent. If you don’t celebrate Halloween you need to apply the same standards to other things that fall into the same category. It will avoid confusion. For example, if you don’t celebrate Halloween, because of the connection to witchcraft, then the family should avoid books and shows that deal with witches. It will only be confusing to the children.
