Every year when Halloween comes around, I find myself asking the same question: What should I do with this day? Some Christians celebrate it, some don’t, and others fall somewhere in between. I’ll be honest, I was raised celebrating Halloween. I loved to dress in costumes and then when I had my first child I happily took her trick-or treating as well!! Then as time passed, there was a time when I used to turn off all the lights, close the blinds, and pretend nobody was home. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. Over the years, I’ve come to understand why that feeling exists with me now, and why we need to be cautious about how we engage with Halloween as believers. What might seem like “just fun” can often open doors to things that don’t align with our faith.

Understanding the Day

Halloween didn’t start as an innocent night of candy and costumes. Its origins go back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when people believed the dead could walk among the living. Bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits, and costumes were worn to blend in with the dead. Later, when Christianity spread, the church created All Saints’ Day to honor the saints, and All Hallows’ Eve—the night before—became what we now know as Halloween. That’s the very PG version of the story, anyway.

Even though today’s celebrations might seem disconnected from those roots, the spiritual undertones are still there. Many of the symbols, decorations, and themes—ghosts, witches, skeletons, and darkness—are tied to fear and death, not life and light.

And as followers of Christ, we’re called to focus on the light. Ephesians 5:11 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” That verse always reminds me that just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good for my spirit.

The enemy doesn’t always show up with horns and a pitchfork. Sometimes he comes disguised as “just fun.” Halloween can be dangerous because it normalizes fear, death, and darkness in ways we don’t even notice.

Think about it—horror movies, haunted houses, demonic imagery, séances, and even fortune telling become “entertainment” around this time of year. What used to make people cautious now makes them curious. And curiosity about dark things can lead to spiritual compromise.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “Be sober-minded and watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” That verse hits me hard every October. We can’t afford to be careless about the things we invite into our hearts or homes.

Spiritual Doors We Might Not Realize We’re Opening

When we engage with dark imagery, whether it’s witchcraft, horror, or symbols of death, we sometimes open spiritual doors without realizing it. The enemy looks for any small crack to enter.

I’ve unfortunately got personal stories of my own from playing with things like Ouija boards or tarot cards, thinking it was just fun, only to feel a dark presence in my life afterward. What seems harmless in the world’s eyes can have real spiritual consequences. I’ll share those stories for another post on the blog.

Deuteronomy 18:10–12 makes it clear that God detests practices that involve witchcraft, fortune-telling, or communicating with the dead. It’s not just “spooky fun”, it’s spiritually dangerous. That’s why as believers; we need to discern what we participate in and protect our hearts and homes.

Desensitizing Ourselves to Darkness

Another danger is how Halloween can make us numb to evil. Over time, the world has turned things that represent fear, death, and demonic power into decorations and jokes. What once made us uncomfortable now feels “normal.”

But the Bible tells us in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.”

As Christians, we’re called to stand apart. We can’t blend in with the world’s version of “fun” when that fun celebrates what Jesus came to free us from.

I once heard a pastor say, “You can’t celebrate darkness and expect to walk in light.” That stayed with me. We can’t invite fear into our homes one day a year and expect it to have no impact on our peace, our children, or our spiritual atmosphere.

Using Halloween as a Way to Shine Light

These days, instead of shutting off the porch light, I like to see Halloween as a night to let God’s light shine. Think about it, people actually come to your door! How often does that happen anymore?

Non believers would possibly call me a party pooper but if I decided to hand out candy, i’ll include little encouragement cards with short scriptures like John 3:16 or Psalm 27:1. I could even write a simple note that says, “You are loved—by God and by me.” You never know how that small gesture could touch someone’s heart. This is a good idea, no? NO?? How about playing gospel music while you sit and watch the kiddos pass by. I don’t know. Even if it’s just a few seconds, little things like that changes my mindset from just giving candy to actually serving- even if just a little. Also, I love putting a few glowing candles or lanterns on my porch and writing verses like “God is love” on little signs for decoration.

Church Events and Alternatives

Some churches host Hallelujah Nights, Harvest Festivals, or Trunk-or-Treats, and I’ve also been to these before. They give kids and families a safe and joyful place to gather without focusing on the dark side of the holiday. It’s all about community, laughter, and love.

If your church doesn’t have one, maybe that’s your cue to help start one next year! God can use you to create something that blesses others. You never know who might come just for the candy but end up feeling God’s presence through your kindness.

A Night of Prayer or Family Fellowship

Now, if you still feel uneasy about participating in Halloween, I understand and that’s perfectly okay. You can make the evening meaningful in other ways.

You could have a family prayer night and talk about what it means to be the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). You could watch a Christian movie, listen to worship music, or bake something sweet and talk about God’s goodness. I’ve done this more recently, and honestly, those quiet nights at home often end up being some of my favorites.

It’s not about what everyone else is doing, it’s about what God leads you to do.

Teaching the Next Generation

If you have children, Halloween can be a great teaching moment. Kids ask a lot of questions, and instead of just saying “we don’t celebrate that,” it’s better to explain why you don’t. Teach them why it’s spiritually dangerous to dabble with Halloween and all what comes along with it.

I tell kids that while some people focus on ghosts and scary things, I focus on Jesus. We don’t have to fear the darkness because Jesus already overcame it. I remind them of John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

We can let our children have fun dressing up, maybe as their favorite Bible hero or something wholesome, while still keeping the focus on God and positive things.

Letting Your Light Shine

Halloween can be dark, but that’s exactly when light shines the brightest. You don’t have to preach a sermon or hand out tracts. Sometimes it’s the simple things, your smile, your kindness, your warmth, that speak the loudest.

Matthew 5:16 reminds us, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” That verse hits home for me every year around this time. We also don’t have to be afraid or judgmental. We can simply stand firm in truth and choose differently. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Just My thoughts

There’s no single “right” way for Christians to handle Halloween. Some will participate and shine light through their actions, some will celebrate through church events, and others will quietly worship at home. What matters most is the heart behind it all.

Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” That’s really what this day can be about, overcoming darkness with goodness, kindness, and faith.

So, this year, let’s be mindful of what we allow into our homes and hearts. Let’s protect our peace, guard our children, and shine light where others see only darkness. We don’t have to participate in everything the world does, we just have to stand for what’s right and let God’s light speak for itself.