IT’S NOT ABOUT JUDGING – IT’S ABOUT OBEDIENCE
This post isn’t about being right or wrong or judging others, it’s simply me sharing what’s been on my heart this October.
For years, I was that Christian mom who went all in for Halloween, dressing up my kids, trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, throwing parties, and decorating the house from top to bottom.
But over the past few years, God began stirring something in me. He led me to dig deeper, to research where this holiday came from and what it truly celebrates. What I found opened my eyes to a darkness I had never noticed before.
This isn’t about fear or legalism; it’s about obedience. Once I saw what I had been overlooking, I couldn’t unsee it.
THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN’S ROOTS
Even if we try to make Halloween feel innocent or “just for fun,” its roots remain tied to darkness. From its pagan origins to its ongoing celebration of fear, death, and the demonic, it’s not something that honors God.
Even the founder of the Church of Satan, Anton LaVey, once said: “I am glad that Christian parents let their children worship the devil at least one night out of the year.” That quote hit me like a lightning bolt. It made me stop and realize how easily we can normalize darkness simply because it’s wrapped in costumes, candy, and community fun.
“LET KIDS BE KIDS?” — TALKING TO KIDS & TEENS ABOUT HALLOWEEN
When my kids were little, we participated in Halloween. I let them dress up and go trick-or-treating, it felt harmless at the time. That’s what made it so hard when God began convicting me to stop.
When my sons became teens, the struggle deepened. I remember the arguments and the tension, my son wanted to dress up with friends, go to parties, and keep doing what he had always done. He didn’t understand why we suddenly stopped celebrating something we used to enjoy together.
As a mom, it was heartbreaking. I didn’t want to be the “strict” or “overly spiritual” parent, but I couldn’t ignore what God had shown me. It wasn’t about being different just to be different, it was about being obedient and choosing light over darkness.
There were tears, frustration, and moments where I questioned if I was doing the right thing. But over time, God worked in his heart. My son has since given his life to Christ and now fully understands why we made that choice as a family. Seeing him stand firm in his own conviction has been one of my greatest joys as a mother.
So when people say, “Let kids be kids,” I gently remind them, we’re not raising our children to fit into the world; we’re raising them to stand apart from it.
1 John 1:5–6: “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.”
It’s not about taking joy away from our kids, it’s about teaching them to find joy in being a light in the darkness.
WHAT I TELL OTHERS WHEN THEY ASK WHY
When friends or neighbors ask why we don’t celebrate Halloween, I lovingly share my heart:
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The only Ghost I believe in is the Holy Ghost.
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I trust in God, not in mediums, psychics, or superstition.
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Light and darkness can’t mix.
I don’t say this from a place of judgment or pride, but from peace. Once God opens your eyes to something, you can’t go back. I’m not trying to convince anyone; I’m just choosing to honor what the Holy Spirit has convicted me of.
HOW WE CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITHOUT HALLOWEEN
Choosing not to celebrate Halloween doesn’t mean skipping out on fall fun! We’ve created new, joy-filled traditions that celebrate the beauty of the season without embracing its darkness. Just like starting my day with God, I want our family traditions to reflect him too.
Here are some ideas to create your own faith-filled fall traditions:
🍂 Go out for family dinner or a movie night while the neighborhood trick-or-treats.
🍁 Host a cozy board game night with cider and snacks.
🍂 Bake fall treats like pumpkin bread, caramel popcorn, or apple crisp.
🏡 Decorate for fall, not fright. Think pumpkins, cozy candles, leaves, and Scripture; not skeletons and cobwebs.
🙏 Host a family worship or “Light Night.” Turn down the lights, light candles, play worship music, and read verses about being a light in the darkness.
💛 Deliver baked goods to neighbors with a note that says, “You are loved by the Light of the world.”
Fall is one of God’s most beautiful seasons; a time of reflection, gratitude, and slowing down. You don’t have to embrace darkness to enjoy it.
Choosing not to celebrate Halloween doesn’t make me “more Christian.” It’s simply my response to what God has revealed to me. If you’re feeling that same stirring, start by praying. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you, not guilt, not fear, but truth. He’ll guide you with peace that passes understanding. Let’s be bold enough to shine, not just in October, but every day of the year. ✨
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” — Ephesians 5:8
Xoxo, Nikki
