Import Costumes

In recent years, there has been some debate as to whether Christians can observe Halloween. While the debate continues, here are some easy ways to have a costume party but still remain true to one’s faith.

Many groups have switched from scary Halloween events to harvest festivals. Dress up as favorite animals or foods. A scarecrow or a pumpkin is an excellent harvest festival costume anyone can use. Wear overalls and a straw hat and be a farmer. There are plenty of easy costume ideas.

Other groups have switched to hero or friendship parties. People can come dressed as their favorite Bible or Christian hero, such as St. Joan of Arc or St. Francis of Assisi. Small children might enjoy a friendship party in which they can dress up as a favorite bedtime friend, such as Winnie the Pooh, or some other wholesome, non-threatening character.

Another great idea for kids is a career party. Have them dress as they would like to be when they grow up. Astronauts, teachers, police or fire personnel are all fun ideas that any kid would enjoy.

Little girls who enjoy dressing as a princess could dress up as Queen Esther from the Bible or as St. Elizabeth, a princess who is honored as a Catholic saint.

For those people to whom the season is not complete without a scary costume: Many people believe that Halloween observances were a way to mock evil spirits. So there are some historical grounds for ghouls and goblins.

People who are interested in science fiction can look to the future and dress how they imagine they would in the far-distant future.

These are easy ways to incorporate Halloween without the scary elements that bother many people. It is possible to have dress-up fun and still keep the faith.