Staying Home on Halloween

By Lana Lucin

For many, Halloween was a day of having fun, trick-or-treating, and dressing up. For me, it was a day I stayed home. 

Photo Credit: Lana Lucin

Growing up, my mom would let us stay home for school on Halloween. As a kid, of course, I was going to take this opportunity. I was raised to believe that Halloween was not a holiday. It was simply a day people chose to celebrate. It was known as the devil’s holiday. 

When I was in 4th grade, I was given the opportunity to dress up if I wanted. I went to the thrift store and found a black flapper dress. My mom bought me a masquerade mask. I went to school on Halloween in my costume and felt so proud and, quite frankly, very cool. I got compliments on my costume and found it so fun to see the everyone else's. However, when I started to see devils, ghosts, and scary costumes, I remember being freaked out.  

That night, my grandfather offered to take us to the neighbors to trick-or-treat. At the few doors we went and knocked on, no one answered. We went home, and as it became nighttime, I started getting very anxious and began praying over the night. 

Since 4th grade I have not participated in Halloween, I am currently a senior in college. I’ve felt convicted that this holiday doesn’t glorify God. I am one that gets frightened easily, so I can’t help but think, how is it a good thing to have kids dressed up as horrifying things? 

I acknowledge the excitement and fun others have. At a Christian university, I have wrestled with the conviction of whether I feel the university should have events such as Halls-o-ween. However, I have seen that my conviction may not stretch to others, and that is OK. 

As Christians we don't have to have an answer of yes or no on Halloween. John Piper, a theologian, gives a great perspective on it: 

“I’m willing to run the risk of attachment to worldliness in order to be biblically faithful in witness… I respect those who are renouncing it as too connected with evil, and I respect those who say, ‘No, let’s redeem it and penetrate it and use it.’” 

Whether you decide to enjoy the night dressing up and trick-or-treating or, like me, choose to stay indoors, do it with a heart focused on glorifying God.