Ahh…the month of October–totally one of my favorite times of year. I love that the weather is starting to cool down. I love that pumpkins are everywhere–in food, in drinks, on fireplace mantels and front porches. Oh, and it’s my birthday this month, which makes it extra awesome. ; )
Being a Christian, this month can be a little tricky though. Many Christians avoid the issue of Halloween completely. Some are concerned with its pagan roots. Others are concerned with how “dark” Halloween can become–glorifying ghosts, witches, and monsters. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home, so the idea of NOT “doing” Halloween seems strange to me. BUT my husband pretty much HATES Halloween. Once the scary movie commercials start hitting the airwaves, he’s already on edge.
So, I try to take the SCARY OUT and put the FUN IN. Besides, don’t you think the fright-fest days of people jumping out of a bush in a scary-looking costume and grabbing you are sooo 2001?!
Here are a few ideas:
1. Playing Dress Up.
Yes, of course my son is dressing up. He just won’t be going trick-or-treating as a vampire or devil. Here’s our sweet little lion last year. This year, I think he’ll make a pretty cute Newsie.
2. Decorate with Care.
I really enjoy decorating my home seasonally. What I don’t love is walking into a home decor store and having witches fly at me while surrounded by scary faces and coffins on the walls. Instead of typical Halloween decorations, we opt instead for more festive Fall decor. Plus, it lasts longer–I don’t have to touch a thing till Christmas!!
Check out this gorgeous Fall mantel from MyBlessedLife.
3. Serve FUN food!
How cute are these Mummy Hot Dogs? These were my husband’s favorite growing up as a kid, so I think we’ll be carrying on the tradition.
Or what about these yummy Boo Cups? I hear they taste just like a creamsicle!
4. Safety First!
I think one of the biggest issues with Halloween are the safety concerns. From child predators, to drunk drivers, to tampered-with candy, I certainly understand those who just want to hang out and eat popcorn while watching a movie at home! I know many parents (us included) opt to take their children around their own neighborhood (with neighbors they know) to go trick-or-treating. Others (we’ll probably do this too), choose to take their kids to a church Harvest Fest. This allows the kids to have fun with other kids, play games, do activities, and get their candy–all under the watchful eye of mom and dad.
These are just a few ideas that we’ll be putting into play this year in our house. What are your plans and how do you all celebrate Halloween? Would love to know!
Have fun and be safe!!
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