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[indianabob]

Good morning folks with children  & Grandchildren,

It's almost time to observe Halloween in our neighborhoods as the little children don their costumes and go from door to door to collect candy, gifts and trick or treat ideas.

How should we handle this event and remain good neighbors.
Personally, I turn OFF the porch light or go shopping.

indianabob

[sonofone]

Good question.I was wondering if anyone here will allow or allow there children to celebrate any of the holidays? I know for me Christmas is really hard seeing that I have a four year old. I bought him a tree last year and put it in his room because he really wanted it and at that age I did not feel it was doing any harm.Last year I bought him  a pumpkin because he wanted one for the same reason.At Easter I give him a Easter basket he's had Easter egg hunts a normal childhood so far. I do not celebrate any of the holidays in full celebration.We do not talk about Santa Claus,we do not discuss the Easter bunny,or dress him up in costumes and go trick or treating.I try to keep the holidays on a kids level for now keeping what is fun and Innocent about it,until he reaches a age where it is appropriate to teach him more about why we don't celebrate the holidays.

[Sue Creamer]

Hi Bob,

My husband and I just make sure the porch light is off and we retreat to a back room for a quiet evening.   
peace,
Sue Ann   

[dawnnnny]

Good morning Bob,

We've always been fortunate that we've lived "off the beaten track" so I don't really get any trick-or-treaters.  When my kids were about 3 and 8, we quit giving attention to Halloween.  My son was born on Oct 31st so we always had something else to do.  I don't/haven't really done anything for Easter in a long time, but Christmas is another thing.  I've read a little here and there on BT about holidays. 

I love Christmas, I love that it is a time my family gets together, we give each other gifts, we just have fun.  I guess I'm wondering what is so wrong with that?  I don't really even dwell on the fact that it is "supposedly" Jesus' birthday because I've read things before that debate the timing.

I do have a tree though and I guess I would have to say my Christmas's are more "fun" than religious.  Sounds like I'm trying to justify having the holiday.  Maybe I am.  I think, for me, that God will have to give me more conviction in this area before I give Christmas the ax. 

I wouldn't mind hearing other's input though, just be gentle   

Have a great day Bob and everyone!

Much Love,
Dawn

[Beloved]

I was a wierd kid I have always hated Halloween. Even the halloween candy sucks...    maybe not I just saw pumpkin "peepers" (that marshmellow sugar stuff) at a Cracker Barrells. I always saw all the dressing up as being mean spiritied. 

I do not celebrate Christmas either, I have never had a tree...too much work.....there was plenty of ones to look at elsewhere. I used to give gifts and cards now I give and send them at other times of the year....they seem to enjoy the surprise more. I have one type of wrapping paper..one that fits all. The main reason again too much clutter.  I do not make a big thing about Christmas unless I am asked.

Easter on the other hand is easy...I always point out the paganistic acts that these adult Christians are performing when commemorating the ressurection. You can give candy and presents to children  they do not understand the world and see these events only as parties.

From the above it sound like I am a party pooper but I am really a fun person and will celebrate at the drop of a hat. It is these corporate events that I have trouble with.

Beloved

[Craig]

I was a wierd kid I have always hated Halloween. Even the halloween candy sucks... 

Did you ever wonder who makes candy corn?  Nobody, because the last batch made was in the 1930's

I used to give gifts and cards now I give and send them at other times of the year....they seem to enjoy the surprise more.

I'm still waiting for mine   And I'll be surprised.....promise

Craig

[Beloved]

Okay Craig 

If you are going to Mobile I'll bring your surprise present with me.

Beloved   

[musicman]

Hey dawn, I don't think there's any debate on whether Jesus' birthday is December 25.  It definately is not. 

As far as celebrating Halloween?  I just like to celebrate getting those kids off of my porch.  Therefore, if it takes a little candy to do the job, then I'm all for it.  I try to be social with my neighbors when I can and the little kids are so funny with their innocent demands for candy.  However, the 16 year olds and such get to be ridiculous, especially when they make return trips.  I suggest that they be treated with a little trickery.  If you see anybody over 5-10 on your doorstep, treat their bags with 1/2 gallon of water (poored, of course) and a lead weight.  That'll learn them not to take part in a pagon tradition carried on, souly, for the purpose of making huge profits for the candy producers and stores.  Let's not forget about the dentists and what candy does for their demand. 

Boy, some of those kids are hilliarious when they talk about my scary costumes.  I marvel at how often this happens considering I never, ever, have one on. 

[LittleBear]

Hi Dawn.

I think you should just enjoy the day. Christmas, I mean. Obviously it is not the birth day of Jesus, but we are still in the world although not of the world. You need to be at peace in your heart and just go for it because you are grounded in the truth already.

My husband and I are gearing down just to get away from the commercialism and burden. We buy for neices and nephews only now, but otherwise get together with family for a wonderful meal. We don't have small children though.

Love,

Ursula

[dawnnnny]

Thank you Ursula   
I guess to stop celebrating it all together would illicit some questions that I'm not prepared to answer as yet.
Musicman, you are too funny.  Maybe the ones in who's bag you dump water in see you dressed up as Scrooge?      LOL 

[gmik]

Hey Craig, the last batch of Candy Corn AND the last fruitcakes came out in the 30's.

Well, my daughter wants me to come down and help take Emma (princess), and the twins (Pooh & Tigger) out around the neighborhood and spend the night.  What am I gonna do?

You betcha.  I am going down.  I want to be w/ the grandkids and be a help- and nothing I have said has made a dent in my daughter- I can't change her only God can. So I am gonna be a good mom to her.

  Funny tho, we NEVER let her "do" halloween and she couldn't wait for it w/ her kids!! (well, we did do all those "harvest festivals" at church - dressed as bible characters and had candy--really really different from the world!)

[Beloved]

Gena Go Girl

Even if I was an atheist I would not let my children go out unsupervised at Halloween .......too many weirdos now-a-days.

Enjoy the pooh and the princess .

Beloved

[javajoe]

Hi Dawn.

I think you should just enjoy the day. Christmas, I mean. Obviously it is not the birth day of Jesus, but we are still in the world although not of the world. You need to be at peace in your heart and just go for it because you are grounded in the truth already.

My husband and I are gearing down just to get away from the commercialism and burden. We buy for neices and nephews only now, but otherwise get together with family for a wonderful meal. We don't have small children though.

Love,

Ursula

I agree,

I love Christmas time, but I really downplay Holloween as much as possible - but I have to admit I enjoy a scary movie.  Scripture makers it clear that some people have special days, others don't (Col 2:16)  We just need for it to be clear in our own minds - and not to get legalistic about it and judge others as what they do or don't do.

[Craig]

Okay Craig 

If you are going to Mobile I'll bring your surprise present with me.

Beloved   

  Not going to Mobile   I hope to be in Nashville next year though.

Craig

[SandyFla]

I love Christmas time, but I really downplay Holloween as much as possible - but I have to admit I enjoy a scary movie.  Scripture makers it clear that some people have special days, others don't (Col 2:16)  We just need for it to be clear in our own minds - and not to get legalistic about it and judge others as what they do or don't do.

I agree. I really enjoy Christmas (although it won't be the same this year, since my sister and her family moved to PA).

It seems that some people don't celebrate Christmas because it's never mentioned in Scripture, but I think that was a customary thing. In some cultures today, birthdays are not celebrated. That doesn't mean we should not do so. Yes, I know Jesus was not born December 25. No one knows the exact date, so December 25 works for me. If that date happened to be a pagan holiday, it doesn't affect me, as I am not honoring that pagan belief, but rather, thanking God for the wonderful gift of His Son, who became flesh.

As for Halloween, there are no kids where I live, so it's just another day.

Sandy