As Halloween approaches, before making plans to participate in its activities, I ask Christian parents to research and read about this so-called “holiday”. One of my children’s books discusses the true origins of Halloween - It’s Not About You Mr. Pumpkin - A Love Letter About the True Meaning of Halloween.

Many Christians do not know where Halloween started or what it involves. Some think that it is just harmless fun for children, such as dressing them up in costumes and knocking on doors asking for candy. I believe that it is very important for parents to understand the pagan origins of Halloween and the rituals that were and still are involved. Shockingly, next to Christmas, it generates the most amount of money for retailers.

In preparing to write my book, I did a significant amount of research. The celebration was started by people known as the Celtics who lived in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England. Their priests were known as Druids, who used evil spirts to do dastardly deeds. They believed that on October 31, the lord of the dead Samhain, would call out from the dead for all the evil spirits to go back and visit the homes where they used to live or the homes of their living relatives. These evil spirits began “haunting” homes. People living in these homes would put out food to stop these spirits from coming in and also put up scarecrows to scare them away.

Over the years, decorations became scarier and uglier. The focus centered on death, witches, wizards, ghost and all things evil and scary. Soon, the aim was to get children involved. Why not make it appear fun and playful – then children would be eager to participate? Since children love to eat candy, offering the evil spirits food turned into offering children candy.

There are many alternatives in which your children can participate – especially those activities sponsored by churches. Usually these festivals involve fun activities that do not involve any of the Halloween aspects.

You can read more about my book and order it by CLICKING HERE.

“In everything, treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

The subject of good manners is not discussed as much as it should be. As Christians, this Bible verse establishes the basis for good manners. Essentially, good manners are built on the foundation that you treat others the same way as you would want to be treated and are an expression of love from the heart. According to Proverbs 22:6, parents have a Biblical duty to teach and train their children: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

As a parent, what can you do to help your children learn good manners. First, children need good role models to emulate. Do you as the parent exhibit good manners? You can’t demand that your children say “thank you” and “please” if you don’t.

Second, in teaching good manners, start with a few basics such as “thank you” and “please” and “excuse me” and “sorry”. Don’t make it complicated. Notice when your children are using good manners, and praise them for it. Once these basics are mastered, move on to other words and actions. Before you know it, you and your children are on the way to becoming the best mannered people in your neighborhood.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Teaching Your Children Good Manners