Halloween

This week I actually banned my kids from taking part in the myriad of Halloween parties round our way, nor did I let them go trick or treating…

Why? Several reasons, but the main one was that there is enough nastiness in the world from which I can never hope to protect them, so when I can actually protect them from something, I will.

What is so appealing about evil, I wonder, that makes us waste millions of pounds every year at Halloween telling kids that “It’s all just a bit or harmless fun”, but then shouting at them when they deliberately frighten us, or talk to a dubious looking stranger? I know what you’re thinking. (Something along the lines of "It’s just a bit of harmless fun, you old killjoy".) I’ve heard it all before, but by now, my friends have given up trying to convince me that I’m a selfish worrier.

To be fair, they are very understanding of my position, and never give me a hard time; they don’t invite my kids to their Halloween parties any more, and are respectful enough not to mention the parties in their presence. I really value friends like that – we don’t have to agree on everything to be friends, after all. I will stubbornly refuse to give my kids permission to make it OK to be demons, witches, zombies, etc, or to let them go begging, for that matter.

Begging?? You bet! On any other day of the year, if anyone knocked on your door and demanded rewards by making threats, you would quite rightly call the police. Talk about sending mixed messages! Am I overstating the case? Perhaps. Anyway, I’ll be round to your house tonight, dressed to scare, demanding food. Or maybe your elderly nervous grandma's house. If you don’t give it to me, I’ll throw a brick at your window. How you’ll laugh…

But is there a positive side? Absolutely. A church near us actually put on (at their own expense) what they called ‘light parties’ for kids of various ages on Friday night; these had games and messages more in keeping with the actual occasion: All Saints Eve, the day before All Saints Day. (All Hallows Eve gradually became Hallows Eve and finally Halloween). Well done to that church; I hope more people will follow their fabulous example. Until then I will continue to be the oddball in my community, and my friends will continue to be understanding by not inviting my kids to their Halloween parties. Bless ‘em!