“Trick or treat! Give me something good to eat!”

    But what about those who don’t celebrate at all? While those of us who aren’t allowed to participate are very aware of Halloween’s existence, we still think about missing out on things such as trick-or-treating, dressing up, or even pumpkin carving.

     For a while, I felt like I was the only child who wasn’t allowed to even have treats at Halloween parties in elementary school, or do anything related to it. It shocked me last year when I was talking to a classmate, and she expressed that due to her parents’ religious beliefs as Christians, she also missed out on those events.

     So, why is it that my classmate and I’s parents didn’t allow us to celebrate it? They claimed that Halloween was a holiday disguised to be “ fun” with candy and costumes when in reality, its true intent was for people to worship the devil.

     Whether people choose to believe this or not, what I don’t understand is how people don’t get how the meaning of things can develop overtime. For example, at one point in history, the word “phobia” was used to describe someone who has an intense fear of something. Although this word can still be used, in certain circumstances, to describe that, today, the suffix, “phobia” is also used to define the type of hatred someone has to a certain group. If a straight person has a bias against someone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ community, sometimes, people will label it as homophobia. Sometimes people’s ignorance allows them to believe that they can shame other Christians who do choose to participate in the celebration of this holiday. This doesn’t take into account the Christians who just enjoy getting free candy (who wouldn’t?), and those who see this as a bonding experience. I mean, going from house to house, getting treats with your friends and talking, can be enjoyable for many and is a fun way to bring them together.

     To make a compromise, I remember asking my parents, “Why can’t we dress up as angels?,” and then they would get into how it’s “about the principle.” Personally, I think the belief that Halloween is a “devilish holiday” is outdated. People can reform something negative, and turn into positive for their own benefit. And not only that, but people who have opposing beliefs can still pay tribute to the holiday without actually “celebrating” it. The other night, I had asked my mother if we were getting candy just in case trick-or-treaters came to our house, and she responded, “well, we don’t celebrate Halloween.” So? When I was younger, I had Muslim classmates in my school who would still say “Merry Christmas,” and participate in trading gifts, despite them or their family practicing the religion, Islam. 

     Yes, Halloween is “just one day,” but for me, when I was younger, missing out was such a big deal. Now, it no longer is, but I do feel like things were dramatized for no reason. In church, some other parents would share the book, “Mommy, Why Don’t We Celebrate Halloween?,” by Linda H Winwood, with parents who allowed their children to celebrate in an attempt to stop them from doing that. Even if you don’t want your kids to celebrate, why put your personal values onto other children who enjoy it? 

     To the Christians who do enjoy Halloween, don’t stop celebrating it unless you want to. And if you aren’t celebrating, don’t feel ashamed either! No one should degrade your personal beliefs, because you shouldn’t degrade theirs. With so many differences of opinions, there will never be an official middle ground, but we can all start by respecting each other.