Unfortunately Phil doesn’t realize that Halloween is here to stay and that burying our heads in the sand won’t make it go away.

So what are some valid options?

The first is obvious. Don’t participate in anything associated with Halloween. Lock your front door, turn out the light and act as if no one is home when trick-or-treaters come through your neighborhood. One lady told me she leaves her porch light on and puts a sign on her front door that reads: “Our family does not participate in Halloween. Have a safe return home. God bless you.”

This is a valid option, but it does present a problem that will need to be dealt with if you have younger children. Because Halloween is such a huge retail holiday and celebrations have crept into our schools, kids will want to know why they can’t do what their friends are doing on Halloween. This is not an insurmountable problem, but there’s even a bigger issue to think about.

Because Halloween is such huge business, there’s a lot of attention given to Oct. 31.


Promoting light
Why not take advantage of all this attention and use it to “turn on the light” of God’s Word with an alternative that could take people one step closer to a relationship with Jesus? Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to “make the most of every opportunity” and Halloween is just such an occasion for Christians who are serious about making a difference in their world.

Remember, participating in an alternative is not the same as celebrating the holiday. When we celebrate a holiday, like Halloween, we are publicly bringing a sort of honor to the day. When we participate in an alternative we are taking part in providing a choice between Halloween and another event. We can choose to be part of an alternative to Halloween without the stigma of expressing some type of satisfaction with the traditional celebration of the holiday.

The right alternative can be safe and fun—yet honor God. It’s important, too, that our kids do not feel like they are missing out just because they are Christians. Ultimately, Halloween can be a great opportunity to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

Halloween alternatives come in many shapes and sizes. They are limited only by your imagination and creativity. They don’t have to be complex or expensive; it all depends on what you want to accomplish and the time you invest. For some it will be as simple as planning a special family night on Oct. 31. This could be a great time to establish some family traditions.


Creative alternatives
There are many other ways Christians can respond to Halloween. For example:

1. Reverse door-to-door evangelism. Some Christians go door-to-door to tell others about Jesus. Take this same concept and reverse it. Instead of going to someone else’s house, take advantage of trick-or-treaters automatically coming to your door. When you answer the door, give them candy and a Christian tract related to Halloween.

2. Reformation Day Costume Party. On Oct. 31, 1517 Martin Luther is credited with spearheading the Protestant Reformation. Invite kids to come dressed as biblical characters for the party. Have a costume contest, games and refreshments.

3. Harvest Festival. Lots of churches host a special harvest event on or close to Halloween. Children from the neighborhood are invited to participate in games, contests and refreshments.

4. Progressive Dinner. Help the youth group at your church put together a progressive dinner. Encourage the kids to wear costumes then transport them from house to house with each location offering a different part of the meal. Games can also be planned at each location. Finish with dessert and a short devotional talk.

5. Outreach event or concert. Each year our ministry works with local churches and organizations to have an outreach for teens in the area. The night is filled with comedy, illusion, music and an opportunity for those in attendance to receive Christ.

Our desire should be to please God in everything we do and a Halloween alternative is no exception. Let’s be creative as we turn on the light of God’s Word and overcome evil with good on Oct. 31.

Steve Russo is an internationally known communicator, radio host, professional drummer and best-selling author. His books include “Halloween—What’s a Christian to do?” “Wildcats in the House—Spiritual Stuff you get from High School Musical” and “Fear No Evil.” For more information go to: www.realanswers.com.