Happy Halloween! I hope you have a fun, safe time with your family and friends tonight!

Quick confession: Out of all the holidays we typically celebrate, Halloween is my least favorite. I will tell you why…and why I don’t opt out!

I found this link about the interesting history of Halloween to be helpful. It seems our modern take on Halloween has lost some of the original intent… It’s not all bad!

The main thing I dislike about Halloween is the frightening masks and creepy costumes. I don’t like not knowing who is who!

And as someone prone to fear, I’m careful about adding fuel to my imagination!

Of course, I’ve learned to deal with the holiday (and fear!) over the years. There are some stores I just avoid because I really don’t appreciate the possibility of running into an ‘evil’ monster as I turn every corner.

For example, one year, Lydia was freaked out by a zombie placed in the bread aisle of all places. I’ve also seen the ‘grim reaper’ and ‘headless horseman’ passing out food samples.

Um, no thanks! I’ll do without…

At the same time, I don’t mind spiders, ‘friendly’ ghosts, or fall decorations like pumpkins. In fact, Lydia and I carved our first pumpkin last weekend! We really enjoyed that and eating a jack-o-lantern pizza with our neighbors!

Obviously, I can choose to overlook the parts I don’t like. Instead, I focus on the fun aspects of Halloween. First, I enjoy seeing Lydia and other kids dress up in cute costumes.

Some people are so creative!

I like passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. As a dietitian, perhaps I should pass out something else, but there are other times for healthy food. Let kids be kids!

I also see the holiday as an opportunity to reach out and love my neighbors.
It’s not every day people are knocking on my door and willing to chat! Instead of avoiding everyone, I can be kind and generous to all who come to my door.

I have a few friends who were born on Halloween, so I enjoy celebrating them. For certain friends, grief can also be a factor as they miss loved ones at the start of the holiday season. I try to encourage them.

Finally, I see October 31st as just another day God has made. Even if I don’t prefer this holiday, I still can rejoice and seize the day for the opportunity it is! That’s a wise win-win!

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God, thanks for the opportunity to love on everyone else around me. Thanks for giving me freedom in Christ; because of Jesus, I don’t have to fear. Help me lay aside my own preferences so that I can see the needs before me. Help me redeem the time and be wise in all I do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you like celebrating Halloween? If so, what is your favorite part?

Tasks: Pray about how to handle Halloween. (Each of us is different, and that’s great!) Consider opening your doors to the community and seize the opportunity to love others!