This may seem completely normal, however we have never really celebrated Halloween. My husband and I both grew up in conservative households where our parents chose not to participate due to the pagan origins of the holiday. They likely agreed with what this article discusses about Christians celebrating Halloween, and how it's best just to create an alternative.
Ironically, the alternative Halloween celebration we grew up with usually involved Adrian and I celebrating together as children. That's right, we have known each other my entire life; he was always the cute older brother of one of my best friends.
Since my family lived in town, my parents would drive us out to the Seely's farmhouse in the country, far from trick-or-treaters, and we would play games and make yummy popcorn balls. (Here's a video recipe if you've never tried these!)
It was a fun time for our families, and now holds special memories for Adrian and I.
But we never did trick-or-treat and neither has Adria. It's not something we've felt strongly against, but she is easily frightened of scary-looking things. At such a young age, I've been concerned about taking her out amidst many older children who may be dressed in frightening costumes.
Until this year, there has been little discussion in our home about Halloween.
However, Halloween has been exuberantly talked about and celebrated at Adria's pre-school the entire month of October. Plus, all the cartoons she enjoys applaud the wonder of this costume and candy-filled holiday. Her teachers and bus drivers ask, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" to which she excitedly responds, "A Princess!" as if there were no other option.
At this point, it would actually be cruel of me as a mother to say, "No, sweetie, we don't celebrate Halloween." How would her five year old mind grapple with that, as all her other pre-school friends excitedly make plans for the holiday?
On Thursday, October 31, she was proudly adorned in her Rapunzel dress and tiara as she got on the school bus, which is provided by the state for pre-school children with "challenges." The bus drivers hooted and whistled at our cute, little Princess.
Her pre-school is actually located within the local public high school, where the older students can assist her teachers and learn about early childhood development. That Halloween afternoon, they took Adria's class of 23 costumed kids trick-or-treating to different classrooms through-out the high school.
The parents were invited to join in afterwards for a little party and snack. And my little princess was so excited to see that I had been able to step away from work for an hour and bring sister Johanna to be there with her! Her teachers told me she was such a trooper walking so far through the school, even if they did have to slow the pace at the end somewhat for her.
Adria with her classmates at their Pre-school Halloween Party
Sister Johanna, Little Bo Peep, made herself a part of the fun
Precious Princess Cousins at Granny's house
Halloween can be a controversial holiday in the Christian community, but I do think Matt Slick from CARM.org did a good job discussing the topic. It's best to be aware of what the holiday is and educate your children when they are ready, but any child loves the chance to dress up and get lots of candy!
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