Alternative Halloween Activities for Christian Families

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This is such a touchy subject for some Christians, and it all boils down to one question. Should Christians Celebrate Halloween

Fall is right around the corner, and you’re probably faced with the same questions and criticism that most Christians are at this time of year. The closer that October, and Halloween, are, the more eager people seem to be in regards to making light of a hot topic. 

I know that many people make excuses when it comes to celebrating Halloween, especially mainstream Christians. But, in efforts to make a short point, I ask this simple question.

Does Halloween edify God?

If you’re like me, and you think that Christians Shouldn’t Celebrate Halloween, then this list of Alternative Halloween Activities for Christians is just for you.

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But, this isn’t just a post filled with non-Halloween activities. It’s also a list of great things that your family can participate in during this Fall season.

First, it’s important to realize that children don’t always understand the sacrifices that we make as Christians. But it’s still important to explain the reasons behind our decisions with them. 

Instead of focusing on activities that you’re family won’t be participating in, try to create new traditions for your own family that will make Halloween special in your own way. 

Providing them with different, wholesome, options also helps give them something to look forward to, instead of focusing on the fact that they won’t be participating in the secular traditions of Halloween.

This list focuses on exactly that. Providing wholesome entertaining activities for your family to participate in during Halloween and the Fall season. 

Sidenote: I have not read this book, but it does have good reviews. If you struggle to answer those hard questions your kids may be asking about Halloween, it may be worth taking a look “Mommy, Why Don’t We Celebrate Halloween?

Some people have suggested that there is no need for alternatives to Halloween. And, there are some instances of that statement that I can agree with. 

But, when it comes to my children, when it comes to young people, and new converts-  all of which are impressionable and delicate– I feel like alternatives are the church’s method of reaching them on a level that helps personify the body of believers. 

It becomes an outreach, a fellowship, and a time of reformation. So thus, my response becomes simple, yet complicated. But there is a difference between celebrating Halloween and celebrating Fall. 

There are some important aspects to realize here:

  • Not participating is taking a stand against it.
  • Giving Christian alternatives to Halloween can help new converts to have a safe space for withstanding the draws of secular life.
  • By providing an alternative, we can also be a light to others while fellowshipping with other believers.
  • What the devil means for evil, God can turn it around for good.

Alternative Halloween Activities for Christian Families

Fall Outing Ideas for Families

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Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards, and Corn Mazes are always fun to visit in the Fall! Lots of cities have them open locally with fun activities and themed days for families to enjoy! 

Going leaf hunting, or creating a Fall Notebooking Adventure gives you the opportunity to get outdoors and explore your own backyard or park. 

You can even plan to visit your local garden or botanical area during different times of the year to see the variety of plants and vegetation there is during different seasons. If you homeschool, this is a great educational experience about how the weather brings new changes!

There’s always the opportunity to go tailgating in the Fall and it’s also a great way to spend time together while ringing in the new season and cheering on your favorite team! 

Autumn Craft Night

Having a craft night is a great alternative to trick or treating! 

If you’re like me and you don’t have a crafty bone in your body, then Pinterest is literally your best friend when it comes to things like this. 

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Remember those apple orchards, pumpkin patches, leaf hunts, and corn mazes we talked about earlier? If you bring home some goodies, this is a great time to use them! 

Bob for apples, make candy apples, apple cider, craft fun Fall themed snack ideas with them! If you went to the pumpkin patch, plan to decorate your pumpkins in a fun way; painting, bedazzling, carving- your choice!

Craft Your Snack Night

Is it still considered a cookout if you’re cooking in? 

These Easy Acorn Cookies from Ann’s Entitled Life are so simple and good for small hands! If you’re still on an apple kick, try these Caramel Apple Popcorn Balls from Busy Creating Memories. 

If you carved pumpkins, make use of those leftover seeds with Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds from This Old Gal. Gingerbread has to be added to your fall list, and these Gingerbread Fall Leaves from The Monday Box look amazing!

Pumpkin Patch Parable

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You may not be a big fan of carving pumpkins because of some of the old tales that linger around. But, while we’re putting a spin on this wacky holiday by providing some really good Christian Alternatives for Halloween, why not put a spin on carving pumpkins?

The Pumpkin Patch Parable is a great story about how God takes us, cleans us up, and makes something beautiful out of us- just like carving pumpkins! 

We did the Pumpkin Patch Parable in my preschool Sunday School class last year and it was a huge hit! The kids absolutely love watching the pumpkin come to life, and I love that we’re having fun and learning about Jesus! I can’t wait to do it as a family this year!

The Pumpkin Patch Parable: Special Edition (Parable Series)The Pumpkin Patch Parable: Special Edition (Parable Series)Pete the Prodigal Pumpkin: A Good News Halloween StoryPete the Prodigal Pumpkin: A Good News Halloween StoryP Is for Pumpkin: God's Harvest AlphabetP Is for Pumpkin: God's Harvest AlphabetThe Pumpkin Gospel (die-cut): A Story of a New Start with GodThe Pumpkin Gospel (die-cut): A Story of a New Start with God

 

Family Movie Night

Swap out the gore, the creepiness, and the lack of Godliness Halloween creates for a fun, clean family movie night! 

Find a great family-friendly Christian movie that you’ll all enjoy. Maybe help the kids to create some of those yummy snacks above and then just sit back and enjoy that family time together! 

We really love JellyTelly to catch some of our favorite Bible shows.

Our list of clean shows on Netflix is a gamechanger if you’re looking for a new binge-worthy show. But for a movie night, try out some of Our Favorite Faith and Family movies

Before you choose your movie, don’t be surprised by that one scene you forgot about! Enter your movie into one of these Christian Movie Review Sites so that you can be sure your family time remains wholesome!

Visit a Church Fall Fest

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Around this time of year, there are always church fairs and fests that you can enjoy! Most churches provide options that are safe and family-friendly so that everyone can get involved. 

While these are church functions, they are also community-friendly. This is a great opportunity to be a light to your community and fellowship with the people in it! Make friends and have fun!

Have a Non-Halloween Party

Throw a themed party at your home and encourage people to get involved. Have a cookie decorating party, a cookoff, do one of those Fall-themed scavenger hunts. 

Whatever you do, you can be proud that you allowed your home to be an open door to faith-filled-fun for others to enjoy!

What kind of alternative Halloween activities do you participate in? Do you have any un-Halloween traditions for your family?

3 Comments

  1. I don’t think there needs to be an alternative. What is suggested here still looks just like Halloween, without the gore. That to me seems the only difference.
    If we are to truly be separate from the world and it’s traditions, we need to abstain completely, not just change a few things to make it more palatable to Christians, and so we don’t feel like we are depriving our children of ‘fun’.
    We are called to abstain from all appearance of evil – 1 Thessalonians 5:22, and while removing the gore side of things seems less evil, it’s still doing most of the same things as the world. (Most Halloween traditions are pagan in origin, so partaking in them is still partaking in pagan rituals.)
    We are also called not to follow traditions of man. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Colossians 2:8

    There is some good information on the link below on the rituals/traditions of Halloween. I do sincerely hope that my comment is taken as it is intended, which is not criticism, but trying to share knowledge and information about this tradition.
    May the Lord lead us all in His truth.

    1. Brooke Poston says:

      Hi Tara! Thanks for taking the time to comment! I definitely agree that Christians shouldn’t participate in Halloween, I wrote about it in a post here: https://www.theferventmama.com/should-christians-celebrate-halloween/
      However, I do feel like there is a difference between celebrating Halloween or celebrating Fall. Does your church/community not have a Fall Fest or other activity around this time? I completely disagree that visiting an orchard or making family time at home is the same as celebrating a pagan ritual. There are plenty of alternative activities instead of participating in such a vile one. When winter comes, we participate in winter activities, such as ice skating and snow activities. When spring comes, we like to grow gardens or visit fairs. When summer comes, we go to fruit stands and participate in other activities. Just because the world has claimed a holiday, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate in our own way. I see what you’re saying and partially agree, but I feel as though you’re missing another important aspect. “What the devil meant for evil, God will make it good”. I definitely think that providing an alternative activity for the church body to participate in is a call of the church. Not only for the body, but to shine a light and provide a “safe” space for unbelievers or new converts.

  2. Thanks for recommending my Autumn leaf bowls ? I love this list you’ve put together, I can’t wait to visit a pumpkin patch this year, I’ve been to one before and there were lots of activities and it was so fun!
    Lianne | Makes, Bakes and Decor

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