For years, Halloween was a topic I avoided. It wasn’t something I felt right about celebrating as a Christian, but I kept that feeling to myself, afraid of the reactions I might receive from family and friends who hold Halloween dear. For four years, I let fear silence me, holding back from sharing my heart. I worried about offending those I love most, doubted their understanding, and even doubted my faith, allowing myself to remain lukewarm on this conviction God had placed in me.
I prayed and read my Bible repeatedly, wrestling with the desire to be faithful to what I felt God calling me to do, but I stayed silent out of fear. Then, this year, I finally laid it down before God. I decided it was time to be open with my family—both mine and my husband Taylor’s. I was prepared for disappointment or even rejection, but to my surprise, they responded with so much grace and love. Their acceptance felt like a weight lifted, as if God was showing me that obedience to Him would always bring peace, even if it came with challenges.
Why I Don’t Celebrate Halloween
My reasons for not celebrating Halloween come from a desire to honor God and live in a way that aligns with my faith. While I know this choice isn’t everyone’s, for me, it feels right and purposeful. Here are a few of the reasons behind my decision:
1. Halloween’s Historical Roots: Halloween has origins in pagan rituals and spiritual beliefs that don’t align with my Christian values. Although the holiday has evolved, I find it hard to reconcile celebrating something with origins in fear, darkness, and spirits that stand in opposition to God’s light (Ephesians 5:11-12).
2. Guarding My Heart and Home: Scripture calls us to be cautious of what we welcome into our hearts and homes. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to focus on what is true, noble, pure, and lovely. For me, Halloween doesn’t fit within that framework and instead brings a spirit of fear and darkness.
3. Spiritual Sensitivity: I’ve noticed that I feel more spiritually vulnerable around this time of year. I believe there’s a heightened sense of spiritual warfare, and as I drew closer to this conviction, it became clear that this was one area I needed to surrender to God fully.
4. Setting an Example for My Children: As a mother, I want my children to see me live out my faith, even when it’s hard. I want them to witness that when God places something on our hearts, we should respond in obedience and boldness, trusting Him over our fears.
The Spiritual Warfare I Experienced
As Halloween approached, it felt like a storm was rolling in. The night before, I was gripped with anxiety. I felt the weight of the day pressing down, my heart racing with unease. I prayed myself to sleep, begging God for peace and strength to face the day in a way that honored Him. But when I woke up, it wasn’t peace that filled my home—it was chaos.
The morning started with my three-year-old waking me up, her little voice filled with fear from a bad dream. The day had only just begun, yet I could sense a spiritual heaviness. Determined to shift our focus, I took her to the kitchen to bake strawberry muffins together, hoping the time together would lift our spirits. But soon, our five-year-old joined us, and the morning quickly unraveled. The kids were bickering, my toddler was crying, and I found myself yelling for my husband to help. It was like every moment was building tension and frustration.
In the middle of the chaos, I recognized what was happening; this was spiritual warfare. I knew the enemy was using my sensitivity to Halloween to disrupt our peace, using my hesitation over the years to keep me silent and lukewarm. In that moment, I felt a clear conviction that it was time to be bold. It was time to step into the obedience I had been avoiding for years.
Choosing Boldness in Faith
I gathered the courage, prayed, and sent messages to my family and Taylor’s family, sharing why we had chosen not to celebrate Halloween. I shared my heart with them, my reasons, and my prayer that they would understand. To my relief, they responded with understanding, compassion, and love. This confirmation showed me that my obedience to God, even when I had feared the outcome, was worth it. God’s grace covered the situation and reminded me of His faithfulness.
My children also witnessed this moment of boldness. Together, we prayed, and I shared with them why we don’t celebrate Halloween, watching a read-aloud book that explained our decision from a Christian perspective. I wanted them to see that when God speaks to us, we should listen, even when it’s difficult. I want my children to see that our faith is not just about comfort but about commitment, courage, and trust in God’s call.
God’s Faithfulness in Our Obedience
I’m reminded of Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This journey has shown me that God is faithful in our obedience. He meets us in our fears, strengthens us, and uses our faith to encourage others.
If you’re facing a similar conviction, I encourage you to take it to God. Pray, seek His wisdom, and trust that He will be with you as you walk it out. Obedience to God may come with its challenges, but it also brings freedom, peace, and joy that only He can provide.
To my family and friends who have been gracious and understanding—thank you. And to anyone reading this who is wrestling with a decision that’s difficult or countercultural, know that God honors your heart’s desire to follow Him. Lean on Him, be courageous, and trust that He is with you every step of the way.
Much Love, Sabreena