Can Christians Celebrate Halloween? Here’s a Cross-Cultural Perspective…
By: Audrey Waugh
Halloween has always been a big deal in my family—I mean, a BIG deal.
And not just because of the costumes, parties, or candy (though those were always fun). It’s because, in the USA where my beautiful family is from, Halloween is celebrated with much enthusiasm.
You know what else was a big deal in our household? Church every Sunday, youth group every Friday, and Bible study every Monday. And little did I know growing up, that all of this was a controversial mix!
Americans in Australia
Halloween, with its origins in darker traditions, has become commercialized over the years. In Australia, it’s celebrated by about one in four people, with 93% of Americans planning on celebrating in one way or another.
My southern American family raised me in Australia, a country that was not their home… but it was mine. This meant I celebrated Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and Halloween while my friends had to ask twice… “what’s Fourth of July”?
Our American family’s traditions made my home the place to be on October 31st. Friends would come for the best candy and, unbeknownst to them, my grandmother’s special treat bags that included the best chocolates and Scripture verses.
“…They have some weird Bible stuff… but it’s worth it for the chocolate”.
Finding Out It’s Controversial
Although I knew it was ‘different’ to enjoy the tradition of Halloween in Australia as much as I did, only later in life did friends ask me why I celebrate it when I’m a Christian.
And to be honest, I was stumped. I just enjoyed having an excuse to (1) be with my whole family, (2) get a new outfit, and (3) eat candy!
As Halloween approaches, I find myself contemplating whether to share our festive photos on social media. Should we showcase our costumes, bowls of candy, and classic black-and-white movies? Maybe the potential judgement of those around us isn’t worth the excitement we feel.
Approach Halloween With Discernment
As Christian families, how should we navigate Halloween?
My family approached it with discernment. We dressed up but avoided costumes with evil connotations. We celebrated not just the holiday, but the values of family and togetherness, often using the occasion as an opportunity for outreach and connection.
The Bible offers guidance in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This reminds us to be thoughtful and intentional in our actions.
Three Keys for Christians Wanting to Celebrate Halloween
Here are some ways to celebrate Halloween from a Christian perspective:
- Be Intentional: Use this time to strengthen family bonds and create your own meaningful traditions.
- Reflect Your Values: Just as every family has unique “home rules” for games, you can develop traditions that align with your values.
- Celebrate with Purpose: Instead of focusing on what Halloween represents to the world, consider how you can use it as a chance to connect with others in a way that honours your faith.
Jesus taught us to be in the world but not of it. This doesn’t mean shutting ourselves off from the world, right? Instead, it means engaging with it compassionately. Halloween can be an opportunity to reach out and connect with those around us, sharing joy and kindness rather than judgment.
If you feel that Halloween isn’t the right fit for your family, that’s perfectly okay! Each family’s approach to celebrating—or not celebrating—is valid.
Either way, answering the question of whether Christians can celebrate Halloween, is definitely more complex than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Whatever your decision, make it for the glory of God!
Article supplied with thanks to Rhema 99.7.
Feature image: Photo by Cala on Unsplash
About the Author: Audrey Waugh is a writer who works in marketing at Rhema 99.7.
