Halloween

[msmichellemiller]

I am aware that some families do not celebrate traditional American Halloweens for religious beliefs.
Can anyone explain to me why it's bad to dress your kids up for fun, take them to your neighbors to get candy and participate in fun games, decorating and tradition?

[mdonn76405]

I send my kids to get free chocolate, my favorite.

[TripleA]

You know, I go to church every Sunday, but I don't see the harm in Halloween. We have a big party at my mom's every year and have lots of fun. The kids get the candy and mommy eats it when they are not looking. I may be wrong, but isn't it the Catholics who have a problem with Halloween?

[eaglesprings]

I don't think the Catholics have a problem with Halloween. Nov. 1st is "All Saint's Day" and Halloween is the eve of that -- "All Hallow's Eve."

I think many Pentecostals and some Baptists have a problem with Halloween due to the pagan roots of the tradition and all the "scary stuff," they feel it is a celebration of evil. For me, though, I think our modern day celebration is whatever we make it, and there's nothing wrong with letting the kids have some fun. We don't do the super scary stuff, and I'm careful what they watch on TV this time of year.

Many churches in the area have Fall Carnivals that are quite fun for the kiddos. And, some shopping centers have "trick or treat" for those people worried about kids going door to door. For us, though, we know a good many of our neighbors, and some of them would have their feelings hurt if I didn't bring the kids Trick or Treating to their house.

[msmichellemiller]

I feel sorry for kids that aren't allowed to participate in it. I know a family with pretty strict beliefs and while I can respect that, I still feel a little bad for the kids missing out on fun. These kids are not allowed to go to swimming pools (something about not believing in girls/boys being in water together), they cannot have a commercialized Christmas, so no Santa or tree or fun holiday movies and no costumes or trick or treating! I know that thier lives are enriched in other ways; I guess they'll be raised with better morals than I was! I just remember kids that would have to be 'excused' from classroom parties and certain films we'd see in school because of thier religions. That's gotta be hard on a kid.

[eaglesprings]

I believe it's the Worldwide Church of God that doesn't celebrate Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. They follow a kosher diet, to the point of reading package ingredients. And, if I remember right, they don't celebrate birthdays, either. They do celebrate many, if not all, of the Jewish holidays. I knew a family once that were members of that church, but I think later they left. The younger kids seemed well adjusted and happy, but I agree, I'm sure they have some difficulties in not being able to participate in things 99 percent of their friends are enjoying.

[TXrose]

I think many Pentecostals and some Baptists have a problem

I grew up Southern Baptist and I know we had Halloween parties at the church!! A lot of that started after the crazy man in Houston tried to poison his son with a Pixie Stick. I'm not sure that the Halloween problem is due to any particular religion except those who don't celebrate anything like Jehovah Witnesses. I think that some people in general decided it was bad and made a push to shut down everything Halloween. When I first moved out here the oldest wore costumes to school, not scary and not just storybook, they had Batman, Robin, Ninja Turtles, but as the rest of my kids entered school they stopped that along with many other celebrations.

[Wilson]

Our school still does Storybook Parade and a lot of the kids wear their (gory/scary) Halloween costumes.

I dream of the day one of my boys will let me dress them as Harold and the Purple Crayon. Sigh...

[eaglesprings]

We also have Storybook Day at our school, where the kids dress up as their favorite storybook characters. The school asks "no scary costumes, please" but I'm sure there are probably a few there. Last year, we had a Strawberry Shortcake, a dalmation, and a pink cat. (I guess going for the "Pink Panther" look, but it really didn't come over as a Pink Panther. LOL!)

Tx. Rose, I was also Southern Baptist during my high school years (much to my parents' disappointment), and we used to have haunted houses. They were quite fun. Not super, super scary -- some funny stuff that was kind of "creepy," but we made jokes about it. One of our houses had a really cool slide at the end. It was held in an old, brick, two story school house and the exit was going down the slide. It was such fun!

[FamilyGal]

Nowadays, most of the churches have Fall Festivals where the kids can dress up and still enjoy games and candy. Without going trick-or-treating. We have a lot of friends at church who do not celebrate Halloween, but they have no problem with their kids going to these festivals and some allow their kids to dress up.

Personally, I love Halloween. And as long as I know my heart is in the right place, I don't see anything wrong with it. I don't like it when kids dress up as serial killers though. (Jason, Scream, Freddy, etc...) That's just me though. Of course, that is EXACTLY what my 7 yr old wants to dress up as though. He has never seen one of those movies, but hears about them and thinks they are cool.

I'm still trying to find a costume for myself and hubby.

[eaglesprings]

Family, at least you can find a costume. LOL! My girls want characters from "Cats." One wants to be the cat with the "moonlit eyes!"

Okay, we'll fnd some cat costumes, but I don't think they're going to look much like the ones from the musical.

[msmichellemiller]

I dream of the day one of my boys will let me dress them as Harold and the Purple Crayon. Sigh...

Ha, Ha! Sounds like you and I are polar opposites! Here I am dreaming of the day I can get my kids to be a classic Jason or Freddy! :D

[herself]

I think that is a recent thing. Growing up Halloween was a big deal and NE was heavily Catholic.

Lately the churches Catholic and the Protestants moving in to NE have been complaining about it. A change in view from the churches.

I think as the mainstream has left the churches the churches have become less mainstream.

[futurenurse]

We don't celebrate halloween. If you do that is your choice. I just don't understand why others have such a problem with ones who don't celebrate it.Every year I get the same odd stares and questions. To those of us who don't celebrate ,it's the history of where it originated from. I am sure that most believe that it's a harmless occasion for dressing in costumes and getting candy.Once again if thats what you think it is, I respect your views.Just respect mine.I don't think that any of us would go aroung asking why non-Christians don't celebrate Christmas because of the"harmless occasion of giving out presents and eating a big dinner."

[eaglesprings]

futurenurse: I think everyone that has posted here does respect your choice. At least, I didn't see any disrespect from anyone. Was there something written that you found offensive?

People learn by asking questions. Thanks for the explanation.

[Wilson]

Welcome to TalkofTheWoodlands.com, futurenurse!

[msmichellemiller]

Maybe it was what I said early in the thread about feeling sorry for the kids that can't participate? I DID say more than once that I respect others' beliefs and those kids were probably being raised with better morals than I was! <shrug> Eh, whattaya gonna do? <----that's my Tony Soprano impersonation, btw!
It's like Eagle Springs stated, you learn by asking questions. My question originally was why it was considered a bad thing to do by some. I honestly didn't know, I have no religion in my background. Alot of things different religious groups do mystify me! The problem is you can't ever ask anyone anything without them taking it personal or making you feel rude.

[eaglesprings]

Well, Michelle, it could be that futurenurse has had other people in the past really come down hard on her about her beliefs. That hurt may have very well carried over into this thread. I don't see where anyone here was disrespectful.

Futurenurse? We really don't mean to be offensive, but just would like to know. I don't think anyone here meant to attack another's beliefs by asking questions, sharing past experiences, etc. I can only speak for myself, but if I said anything that offended you, I'm very sorry. It wasn't intentional.

[FamilyGal]

I see that a lot of Christians that choose to not celebrate are considered extremists, but I totally understand why they choose not to.

For us, it isn't a big deal. In fact, we are giving a Halloween party for the kids one night and an adult one the next night. I don't know why I like Halloween so much, but I do. And, I feel like I have to defend it to my Christian friends (not that I do defend it). I wonder if they feel like they are defending it to me? If the are, they certainly don't need to because it doesn't matter to me at all.

Edited to add: I am responsible for coordinating and organizing the fall festival for our church, yet I won't be there that night. We will be out trick or treating. We normally do it on the Sunday before Halloween, so we were able to participate in both. But, this year it was voted to be on Halloween night (Wednesday). It takes me 30 minutes to get to the church each way, so it would be way too late to go there and back on a school night. We will stick close to home and trick or treat.

[futurenurse]

Well,let me explain this further.I guess the reason that you may have thought that I was on the defensive is that myself(and my children) have had to deal with the constant ,wow, it's only dressing up and and getting candy for years. I dread Oct.31st every year because of it. No, I am not an extremist.Far from it.I just hope that I could educate some.Example: Let's remember that we don't all celebrate Christmas. I do.However, we would not start a post here asking why some people don't or that the ones who don't are extemists. It is the same concept.

[eaglesprings]

Thanks for the clarification.

Actually, I have asked Christians who don't celebrate Christmas why they don''t. And some celebrate Christmas, but don't put up Christmas trees and play "Santa Claus." If I didn't ask, I'd never know why they don't. Everyone I have ever asked has had very good reasons for not celebrating Christmas, or not playing Santa Claus.

I'm sure it gets old answering the same questions over and over again. You, and Family Gal, both, are not "required" to answer any questions, or explain anything that you don't want to, but thanks for answering our questions here.

[futurenurse]

Thanks for understanding.I find it quite interesting that this falls under the "religion and spirtuality" post.If you do want to learn more about why some do not celebrate, the internet has a wealth of information about Halloween's history.

[msmichellemiller]

I posted it under religion and spirituality because the question was about the religious beliefs against it. Also, I did wonder about Christmas. Good thing I've been warned that you're not supposed to ask about that, either. I wonder about a LOT of religion rules and beliefs. Strictly curiosity...no intent to offend anyone. I'm a very questioning person, sometimes I ask really dumb ones! I'm aware I can read about it on the internet. In fact a lot of times people will reply to me with a Wiki link or something when I do ask one of my questions. However, I like the feel of having a "conversation" when asking people things on this board. Different perspectives, experiences and such.

[eaglesprings]

I like "conversation" better than research, too.

Michelle: Some Christian sects don't celebrate Christmas because it isn't a celebration that was observed in either the Old or New Testaments of the Bible. There are believers who want to stay as true to the Biblical holidays as possible. Others may celebrate Christmas, but don't do "Santa" because they feel that takes away from the true meaning of the holiday -- that being the birth of Jesus. And, I had a friend that decided to stop putting up Christmas trees because of a passage she read in the Old Testament. I don't know it off the top of my head, and would have to look it up.

These, of course, are all personal choices. Well, except for some denominations that might teach not to celebrate holidays that aren't in the Bible. Obviously, other Christian denominations do.

I personally don't think you should worry about asking questions. I can understand that people may get tired of explaining when they are asked the same questions over and over again, but like you, my curiosity gets the better of me. Heck, I get tired of explaining why I don't like SpongeBob (and, all those questions are coming from my own kids! LOL!)

[FamilyGal]

I have no problem answering questions like that if they are done in a respectful way. I think Michelle was honestly curious about it. She could have researched it, but probably felt like this was something more a conversation she wanted to have with others.

[FamilyGal]

Heck, I get tired of explaining why I don't like SpongeBob (and, all those questions are coming from my own kids! LOL!)

I loathe SpongeBob.

[herself]

Barney was worse.:)

[TXrose]

I have a friend whose family does not have any celebrations, birthday etc. Nothing. It has to do with their religion, they are very forthcoming with this and do not mind telling people why they do not.

[MomTimesFive]

I loathe SpongeBob.

So do I! Teletubbies are even worse IMO. Why is it that our kids like the characters that we like the least? If only I could trick my kids into thinking that I don't like Bugs Bunny ;)

[eaglesprings]

FYI:

"Just wanted to let you know that the The Woodlands Christian Church "Trunk or Treat" is open to the community on Halloween, hours are 6 to 8 PM with games and prizes in addition to "Trunk or Treating". We've been urged to spread the word, so if you know of anyone else that is looking for a safe, fun evening for the kids, pass the word!" (From a personal e-mail)

Woodlands Christian is on North Millbend, kind of behind the elementary school on Many Pines and beside the Unitarian Universalist church. "Trunk or treating" is where church members pack the "trick or treat" goodies in the trunks of their cars, or back of their vans, and the kids can go around collecting their goodies. Many of the members are decorating their car trunks in the "Halloween motif." My friend has a motion sensor witch that laughs, and a candy bowl with a hand that reaches out when kiddos get their goodies.

I've been thinking about the various views of Halloween. I'm kind of halfway thinking that by making the "scary, fun" the kids get a handle on the scary, realize it isn't real, and perhaps will be better able to handle the scary stuff that comes their way later (in the form of entertainment they will be exposed to when we aren't around). I'm not saying I like "super scary and gross" stuff like some of you do, and we won't do that, but if they realize it is all pretend, they may be better adjusted as they age.

Just a thought. Anyway, I'm planning on taking the kiddos to this church event. It will kind of cut into "trick or treat" time, but that is a good thing, because I really don't want to go ALL over the neighborhood. I'd rather just go to the houses we know. This is a "time consumer" for them, and also, a little something special.

[TXrose]

The countdown is on. My students think it should be a Holiday. They are really mad I am giving them a test on that day. Bad thing is I can only give tests on Mondays or Wednesdays, as they tell us by core classes when we can give them so all the tests aren't on the same days. So Wednesday is a much better day for a test than Monday. They told me the other day I should give them a party, 6 classes times 25+ students, too many for parties. I am gonna give them candy though. :eek:

[MomTimesFive]

What grade are your students in, TXrose? We had a party on Halloween when I was in elementary school, but we were in the same classroom with the same teacher all day, and the room mothers organized and set up the party as well as provided the candy and refreshments. Your students should be happy with just getting candy. I think that is very generous of you :)

[FamilyGal]

My second grader's school is having a trick or treating from class to class. They aren't allowed to pass out candy, so we are handing out other goodies. I am assigned to bubbles. I need to go buy sixty bottles of bubbles...lol (Wishing I had all of those wedding bubbles left...)

[TXrose]

What grade are your students in, TXrose?

7th grade :cool:

Lots of girls who use too much body spray and lots of boys who after 6th period football use lots of AXE and no shower. I have wonderful smells in my room.... :rolleyes:

[MomTimesFive]

Lots of girls who use too much body spray and lots of boys who after 6th period football use lots of AXE and no shower. I have wonderful smells in my room.... :rolleyes:

Oh, what fun :rolleyes: I remember when my oldest son was into AXE. They are a little old to expect a Halloween party IMO.

[FamilyGal]

LOL, TX. I pick up my son and his friend (8th grade) every day after football practice and have to open up all of the windows. I told my son the other day he was going to take away the new car smell I have because of his sweatiness! Some days, they are just foul.:eek:

[TXrose]

Seems like almost all the boys in my 7th period are football players. They all practice at 6th and then go back out after 7th. I remember my own son when I use to pick him up after football, yuck. But a room full of them covering the sweat smell with AXE is awful........

[MomTimesFive]

I am aware that some families do not celebrate traditional American Halloweens for religious beliefs.
Can anyone explain to me why it's bad to dress your kids up for fun, take them to your neighbors to get candy and participate in fun games, decorating and tradition?

I've never understood this. My MIL is extremely religious and doesn't "approve" of Halloween. Last year she told me that her son that she lives close to in Nebraska let his kids celebrate Halloween, but they were "very careful" to only let them dress up in costumes and trick or treat in the neighborhood :confused: I wanted to ask her, "What? He didn't let them sacrifice a virgin and drink their blood? Well, you can't really say they celebrated Halloween then, can you?"

[mdonn76405]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANLwqqb5jXk

[msmichellemiller]

I wanted to ask her, "What? He didn't let them sacrifice a virgin and drink their blood? Well, you can't really say they celebrated Halloween then, can you?"
:eek:
ROTFLMAO!!!

[msmichellemiller]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANLwqqb5jXk

Was that 'Candleman' from this board?

[FamilyGal]

Was that 'Candleman' from this board?

I seriously doubt it. :p

[eaglesprings]

I went to the Halloween Superstore yesterday. The check out line was extremely long and slow moving, and the atmosphere was obnoxious to say the least. Even the girls were ready to leave after a short time. They had some goofy "12 Days of Halloween" song playing and it was irritating to say the least.

One of my girls found a costume she wanted to buy, but I couldn't see waiting in that line. It will probably be gone when I return Monday (when hopefully the line will be shorter). I will say this, though: The costumes weren't any more expensive than Target. The pickings are getting kind of slim, though, both at the Halloween Store and at Target. Anybody else have a suggestion on where to get a costume? I'd like to find the one we saw at The Halloween Store, but there were only two left, and I feel certain they'll be gone by Monday morning. It's a cute costume, and very appropriate. LOL! One half of it is red with a devil's horn, and the other half is white with a halo.

[MomTimesFive]

How about Party City?

[MomTimesFive]

Or Party America? We've found some pretty cute costumes at both of those places. The lines might be long there too, though.

[FamilyGal]

Party City was slim pickings a few days ago. I remember seeing the half angel, half devil costume at The Spirit Store. VERY cute. I hope you find it.

[eaglesprings]

Actually, I warned her today that it might sell out before I get back, but I picked up a costume at Hodges Food Basket for six bucks -- an angel costume. That was her second choice if I couldn't find the "half and half." And, she's okay with that.

I may still look for the other since it was pretty cute. But, I do have an acceptable alternative if I can't find it. (Much cheaper, too!)

Where is "The Spirit Store?" I had forgotten about Party City, and we've had good luck there, before. It may be that early on a weekday, the lines won't be as long.

[FamilyGal]

The Spirit Store is that Halloween place in the Portofino center.

[eaglesprings]

Oh! I thought it was called "Halloween Superstore."

[FamilyGal]

Oh! I thought it was called "Halloween Superstore."

You could still be right. For some reason, I was thinking it was called The Spirit Store though.

[msmichellemiller]

Famgal is correct; the big sign on the storefront does only say Halloween Superstore, though. The bags, flyers and reciepts say Spirit Halloween Superstores though. They have a website, I don't know the exact link but just google Spirit Halloween store and you'll find it. It's a national chain and though I'm sure it's too late now, they have better deals online and some stuff you can't find in the stores. Something to remember for next year, I suppose.

[FamilyGal]

I wish I had the extra money to stock up on everything at 50% off on Thursday morning!

[eaglesprings]

FG: It didn't look to me like they would have much stuff left to sell on Nov 1st. Unless they had some hiding somewhere.

[FamilyGal]

I was there about a week ago and they were definitely getting picked over. I could see where they have sold A LOT more since then. Oh well, saved me $$. ;)

[herself]

You are correct the Catholics have not had a problem with Halloween. Halloween is an old Celtic Pagan holiday and not one the church was able to corrupt like they have Christmas-Winter Solstice.

I was just reading a news article today that many minorities do not celebrate Halloween. It may be that when the Irish brought it over from Ireland it didn't spread through some of the newer immigrant groups or wasn't as deeply entrenched in the culture of places not heavily Irish or Scottish?

I think the Mexican's also celebrate it with a slightly different twist. Mexico and Ireland are both extremely Catholic even today.

[TXrose]

I think the Mexican's also celebrate it with a slightly different twist

Yes it's called Day of the Dead. It's a bit different than our Halloween. But I believe they actually celebrate it on November 1st and 2nd.