What's your take on Halloween?

Is it just me? It seems that Halloween in Australia is really taking off, last year it barely made a ripple. This year it's everywhere!

It's interesting to hear everyone's differing opinions. I'd love to hear about what you're doing this Halloween. If you're celebrating, how will you celebrate? Will you take your kids trick or treating or will they go with a group of friends? Do you stock up on treats to give out to trick or treaters? If you're not into Halloween, how will you approach 'trick or treating' children on your doorstep and why have you decided not to participate?

I'm looking forward to hearing what you think so in the spirit of sharing opinions, here's mine (assuming that you're the least bit interested!);

Halloween has been a hot topic this week in our household. My husband and I decided not to celebrate Halloween a few years back, when the American tradition became popular here. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it's an American tradition. Do we really have to follow along with everything the Yanks do? Surely we're creative and inventive enough to think up a fun celebration of our own. I think so! Don't you? We are a smart bunch afterall :o)

Our second, and most important reason is that Halloween is directly opposite to our spiritual beliefs. As Christians, we believe in celebrating the good in life and not evil.

Having said that, we also believe that it isn't our job to go around telling people what they should do or believe. While talking to the kids about Halloween and our beliefs, we've made a conscious effort to make it clear that other families and friends may choose to do it for their own reasons and that that's their choice to make. As Charlotte Manson said, "It is very important that the child should not be allowed to condemn the conduct of the people about him. Whether he is right or wrong is not the question; the habit of bestowing blame will blunt his conscience." (or hers, obviously!) We have similar conversations when it comes to different words and phrases which some families allow and others don't.

So Halloween won't be happening in our family but I don't want to be stodgy and mean about it. The thought of turning away all those smiling little painted faces made me cringe, so I though of a solution. I made a daggy (but friendly) little sign to hang on our front door. I wanted to politely let people know that we didn't have anything to give for trick or treat, without ruining their night with yet another huffy - 'No, we don't have any lollies to give you!'

Here's my grass roots approach (down below). What do you think? If you were out trick or treating with your kids, would you appreciate signs on doors, indicating whether or not there are lollies inside for enthusiastic trick or treaters, or would you prefer to knock and find out that way? If you're not celebrating Halloween, will you store up lollies for the smiling faces waiting on your front step or not?

As I said above, this isn't a 'let's beat up on people with differing opinions' post - not at all! I just wanted to hear what everyone thinks about it...

Oh, and please vote in my Halloween poll, it would be muchly appreciated :o)

My daggy little Halloween sign:

Halloween kids photo above thanks to www.trishtrashdesign.net