As we near the end of October, it’s that time of year—Halloween is everywhere. Stores are stocked with candy, costumes, and decorations that fill the aisles.
However, some Christians are hesitant about Halloween, perceiving it as inherently evil. This raises the question: why do they feel this way? And how should Christians approach Halloween?
I want to clarify—every day belongs to God, including Halloween, and not just the other side.
Origins of Halloween
The ancient Celts in Ireland celebrated their New Year on November 1st, and like our New Year’s Eve, they observed the night before—October 31st.
This night was called “Samhain.” It was believed that ghosts of the deceased could wander among the living. To protect themselves, the Celts lit large bonfires, donned costumes to hide from spirits, and crafted lanterns from various gourds, maybe not precisely pumpkins. The light from the fires would attract insects, which in turn brought bats.
As the Catholic Church extended its reach into these pagan territories, the two cultures began to blend. The Church commemorated All Saints’ Day on November 1, celebrating those who’ve passed on to heaven.
Consequently, Samhain evolved into “All Hallows’ Eve,” or Halloween. Traditional symbols—such as jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and costumes—remained integral to the festivities.
The Background of Trick-or-Treating
In medieval England, there was a practice known as “souling,” where the impoverished would go door-to-door on November 1st and 2nd, offering prayers for the deceased in exchange for food, often “soul cakes.”
In places like Scotland and Ireland, a similar ritual called “masquerade” developed. Kids and young adults would wear disguises—likely to evade wandering spirits—and perform songs or tricks for treats.
The term “guaging” derived from “disguise,” tying it to modern-day trick-or-treating.
Understanding Today’s Halloween
Knowing the history is one thing, but we also need to grasp the current landscape.
In the U.S., Halloween mainly centers around trick-or-treating. Kids love the excitement of dressing up and getting free candy. Stores put out Halloween candy displays unbelievably early—sometimes right after school starts!
It’s important to note that candy manufacturers profit heavily from Halloween, selling tons of sugar-laden candies with questionable ingredients. Perhaps that’s a different sort of “evil” that often goes unnoticed.
Then, there are those who see Halloween as a time of overwhelming evil, dubbing the day “Satan’s Day.” The notion often springs from isolated comments posted online each October by individuals claiming to be Satanists or witches who express gratitude for the chance to influence children.
This seems rather foolish—why should we give credence to self-identified devil worshippers?
To be clear, I believe every day is God’s. While some might choose October 31st for sinister celebrations, many Americans view Halloween as a fun opportunity to dress up, socialize, and gather candy.
Advice for Christian Families
Our highest calling is to love God and our neighbors. Halloween brings neighbors right to our doors. So, what if we considered how we could be a blessing and build relationships this Halloween?
Now, I’m not suggesting you hand out pamphlets instead of candy—that’s not the way to go. Instead, focus on making genuine connections with at least one family in your neighborhood.
This reflects why God has put you in your community.
Take, for instance, a family that set up a tent in their driveway adorned with lights, where they grilled hot dogs. They offered bread, condiments, candy, and even some treats for adults. They would share this plan on their neighborhood website just a few days before Halloween.
Interestingly, these folks weren’t Christians trying to make connections; they were promoting a family business. But isn’t our Heavenly Father’s work similar?
Here are a few ideas:
- A pole tent with lights can make a cozy spot on dark nights.
- Grilling hot dogs works great, but you could also consider a pot of chili to share.
- Set up a hot drink station with cocoa or cider.
- Hand out homemade treats like pumpkin bread instead of pre-packaged candy.
- Place some lawn chairs out; invite those passing by to sit and chat. Get to know them.
- Let your kids dress up and participate in handing out treats. You could take shifts if they go trick-or-treating!
- Finally, maybe put up signs welcoming folks a day or two in advance.
This kind of engagement takes some time and effort but can yield meaningful connections within your neighborhood community. True love often starts with effort. You won’t know someone unless you reach out.
You could even set up chairs on your driveway to mingle with adults while giving out treats. Compliment their kids’ costumes or ask them where they live and create a more inviting space. If they feel welcomed, they might stop and chat.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts
- Wear a costume—something fun, but keep it lighthearted. Scaring kids isn’t the goal.
- Avoid handing out literature that decries Halloween as evil. If you must give out something, perhaps opt for candy bars instead.
- Extend participation to your kids in the effort rather than focusing solely on their own candy haul.
If Halloween doesn’t sit right with you, instead of hiding away, venture out and reclaim the day.
Ultimately, Halloween can be a chance for families to spread joy and kindness while building links with those who might need a little guidance toward faith.
This article was adapted from an essay first published on Diane Schrader’s Substack.
