It’s October: Spooky Season is Back

October has rolled around, bringing what advertisers call “spooky season.” Stores are filled with Halloween candy and costumes, along with all the usual decorations like spiders, bats, and skeletons. They’ve been there since school started, but, well, that’s a discussion for another time.

Last week, we explored how some Christians focus too much on the perceived evils of Halloween — its connection to ghosts, witches, and death. This perspective often overlooks that Halloween has roots in both Christian and pagan traditions and has transformed into a cultural celebration centered on costumes, sweet treats, and neighborhood fun for kids.

This fixation has, unfortunately, led to some judgmental attitudes, much of which stems from misguided theology.

I concluded that discussion by suggesting there’s a more constructive way to embrace and redeem Halloween. Surely, as Christians, we can do better than being the always-dark, candy-less house on the block.

Trick or Tract?

Our ultimate calling is to love our neighbors, and Halloween quite literally brings those neighbors to our door. So, what if we took a moment to consider how we could bless them on this special day while focusing on building relationships?

Now, I’m not suggesting you hand out Christian tracts instead of candy. Please, don’t be that person.

Instead, I mean actively looking to connect with at least one family or maybe more in your neighborhood, fostering those relationships. This is, after all, part of why God has placed you where you are (you can read more about this here).

Let me share what one family did for Halloween. They set up a tent in their driveway, strung lights on it, and even had a BBQ grill to cook hot dogs. There was a table loaded with buns, condiments, a bowl of Halloween candy, and even Jell-O shots for the adults. They promoted this gathering on their neighborhood Facebook page a couple of days prior.

To clarify, they weren’t Christians trying to show love to their neighbors; they were promoting the father’s business. But how might we promote our Father’s business in a similar way?

Halloween Hospitality

1. A tent in your driveway, lit up with lights, is an inviting sight on a dark night!
2. Grilling hot dogs is a great idea. Or, consider a big crock-pot of chili with paper cups for serving.
3. A hot drink station with cocoa, cider, or tea could be nice, too.
4. You might want to offer freshly baked pumpkin bread or oatmeal cookies in little bags as an alternative to store-bought candy.
5. Set up some lawn chairs and invite folks to sit and relax for a bit — if they do, take the time to introduce yourselves and get to know them.
6. Your kids can dress up and help hand out the goodies. If you allow them to trick-or-treat, one of you can stay home while the other takes the kids around the block.
7. Let everyone know a day or two before that you’d love for them to stop by and “sit a spell.”

This may require an investment of your time, effort, and some money. However, I genuinely believe it’s a worthwhile ministry in the lives of those God has placed around you. You really can’t love them if you don’t make an effort to get to know them, and you can’t know them if you never actually meet them.

And, trust me, after this, they will know you!

You might even consider setting up lawn chairs closer to the end of your driveway so you can see and chat with the parents as you hand out candy. It’s easy to compliment the kids’ costumes or ask the parents where they live in the neighborhood. They usually won’t stay long unless there’s a reason to stop at your house, but at least you’ll get to meet some of them. Since most parents don’t accompany their kids right up to the door, it makes sense to get out where they are!

A Few Do’s & Don’ts

1. DO wear a costume. Bible-themed costumes are fun, but other options are great too. Just steer clear of anything that might scare the little ones, like witches or devils.
2. DON’T give out literature that denounces Halloween. Actually, you don’t have to give out any literature at all. But if you choose to, pair it with full-size candy bars.
3. DO introduce yourself and ask for their names and where they live in the neighborhood. It might help to discreetly jot down their names or record a voice note — the idea is to use Halloween as a way to form connections. See point #6.
4. DON’T leave your kids out of this opportunity. Get them involved in the effort to bless your neighborhood, whatever you end up planning.
5. DON’T hide from Halloween. It sends a rather sad message to your children to turn off all the lights to avoid interacting with neighbors. God placed you in your neighborhood. If you’re not in a place where there are no trick-or-treaters, then get out there and make the most of it!
6. DO follow up! After Halloween, reach out to someone you met and invite them over for coffee, to watch a game, or for a casual dinner. Your goal is to cultivate an authentic friendship. As you grow closer, don’t hesitate to ask for help with something — that’s what friends do!
7. DON’T come on too strong with the Bible. However, don’t conceal your faith either. Be honest and keep praying for the chance to discuss deeper topics. Until then, just BE that deeper connection.

Halloween provides an excellent opportunity for your family to bless others and start forming relationships with those who may need Jesus. I’d love to hear how your family is planning to redeem this annual event by showing love to your neighbors!