It’s not long until 31st October. Hallowe’en stirs up a range of questions, responses and challenges within Christian households. What do we think about it? What do we do? What do we say?

As parents / relatives or family friends we can be intentional and think ahead.

Handling those tricky ‘Why?’ questions

Don’t get caught on the hop feeling unsure how to answer questions from children about Hallowe’en. Why not take the time to read about some questions other children have asked? Anything from understanding the origins of Hallowe’en to questions about evil or what God is like:

https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/story/real-big-questions-about-halloween

Plan family time on the 31st October

Think ahead about how you could spend time together as a family. It’s a Saturday so perhaps you could plan a special evening together – a favourite meal? a family movie? connect with another family online and play a game together?

Or take time to carve a pumpkin together. What design would you carve into it? Use it as an opportunity to chat and explore contrasts between good and evil.

If you are looking for faith-filled alternative resources for 4-10 year olds (crafts, a story and other ideas), check out:

https://www.worldvision.org.uk/get-involved/pumpkin-heroes/pack/resources/

Use this as an opportunity to grow faith in our families

Parenting for Faith have some excellent articles and short videos which give helpful ideas and conversations starters with our children

https://parentingforfaith.org/topics/halloween

Or choose some Bible passages that describe Jesus or us as light in the world. How about John 8:12, 1 Thess 5:5 or Eph 5:8.

Talk together - what do the verses mean? How can we be light in the world?

And if you don’t have younger children in your home, pray for our church households that do! Pray for wisdom and creativity for our parents and for Jesus to be at the centre of some great conversations and family times.

Caitlin Boddy, Andrea Brewster, & Caroline Simpson