Did you know that Halloween has a distinctively Christian origin? All Hallows Day is a historic Christian day set aside to remember those that have gone on before us, especially those who were martyred for the faith (kind of like Memorial Day). The evening before that day is what gives it the name ‘Hallow’s Evening’, or Hallowe’en. Like Christmas, the Eve before took on a life of its own. And, also like Christmas, various cultures that immigrated into America blended together to give Halloween its own dark and mysterious flavor.

Another likeness to Christmas is that this occasion has also become a huge marketing tool for American businesses. And, also like Christmas, our western flavor of celebrating these special days is spreading around the world. Even Muslim cultures are celebrating these two occasions.

Anita and I have never banned our kids from celebrating Halloween. We took our kids Trick or Treating to safe houses early on as a part of our culture. We never wanted our children to feel that we Christians were out of touch with the world around us. And we didn’t want them to rebel against our strict Christian values. But, we never allowed them to go to the “dark side”. They dressed as princess or hero, and we encouraged pretending. And there was always too much candy. And we never made it a worship activity; just fun.