Halloween Alternatives

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The history of Halloween

For much of society, Halloween is a fun spring festival, when shops are bulging with scream and vampire costumes, and its "it's just bait of fun" and an excuse to accumulate as much sugar as possible. Many children look forward to this day, with the promise of fun dress ups and a lolly treasure hunt with their friends. 

The origins of Halloween draw on a number of different roots, from the Celtic feast of Samhain at the end of the northern hemisphere autumn harvest, and the beginning of the dark period of winter. This change of season from the light to dark would have been a good time for telling stories around bonfires, designed to ward off spirits. The Romans added in a feasts to commemorate the dead, and over time these have been merged. 

Halloween and the church

The Feast of All Saints on the 1st of November, known as All Hallows, was hoped to take the focus away from pagan festivals of darkness. All Saints Day counters the story of Halloween, and reminds the church that death is not the end (and involve bogeymen), but Jesus brings a new perspective on dying. 

Churches engaging with Halloween look for points of connection with their local community, and to celebrate the Light of the world - who overcame the darkness. Redeeming this festival can be a great opportunity to connect and engage with your community. 
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For more information, check out the Light Party Pack 2024 from Scripture Union UK

Light Parties

Light Party Pack 2024 (Scripture Union UK)

Party ideas could include:

• Bouncy castle
• ​Sausage sizzle
• Guess the lollies in a jar
• Prizes for fancy dress
• Obstacle courses
• Carnival games
• Face painting
• Giant bubbles
• Outdoor maze or laybrinth
• Guess what's in the slime
• Bowling alley (glowsticks in bottles make this cooler, if dark enough!)
• Biscuit decorating
• Lantern making

Halloween FAQ and info

Printable fun sheet (PCFM)
Halloween wisdom for parents (BRF)
All Hallows’ Eve/Halloween resources (Build Faith)
Side by Side with God – Halloween (Yvonne Morris)
All Hallow’s Eve – a brief history (Sharon Ely Pearson)
Halloween for those haunted by the holy (Beth Barnett)
Halloween and the Church FAQs (Scripture Union UK)
Alternative Halloween (pinterest)
Redeeming Halloween: How should Christian's approach it? (Luke Gilkerson)

Music

Pumpkins!

Pumpkin Activity
Carving a pumpkin can remind us of how God grows our faith

1. Cut open the top of the pumpkin - we ask God to open our minds
2. Scoop out the inside - we ask God to forgive us, and to take away the wrong things we have done
3. Cut out the eyes - we ask God to help us see the needs of others around us, and give us ways in which we can help them. 
4. Cut out the mouth - we ask God to help us speak works of love and encouragement. 
5. Light the tea light - we ask for God's love to shine brightly inside us.

Source: unknown (please let us know if you find a source for this!)

Media