Okay. Be Kind. MNSSHP

[MightyMom]

Not directed specifically to the OP as this is not necessarily her views for not celebrating Halloween:

If you choose not to celebrate Halloween because it is a pagan holiday than you probably should look into Christmas as it too has its roots as a pagan holiday not a Christian holiday like many believe it to be.

To the OP do you let your children dress up at Disney World and/or to believe that the Characters are real? Just curious as to how you handle this?

I think the fact that December 25th was originally a pagan holiday has been covered. As a Christian, I choose to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th. On Easter Sunday I choose to celebrate the Ressurection. On Thanksgiving I thank God for his blessings. On 4th of July I thank God for my freedom and this blessed country. I just can't see how halloween glorifies God.

As far as if I allow my kids to dress up at Disney World..... well.... I'm not sure why you're asking..... but..... I allow my kids to dress up all the time. We have a whole toy chest full of dress up items.

As far as if I allow my kids to believe the characters are real.... well.... again.... I'm not sure why you are asking... but.... my DS8 is now starting to realize that the characters aren't "real". He hasn't asked me anything specific, but if he asked.... I wouldn't lie about it. My DS4 has autistic behaviors and doesn't have the receptive or expressive skills to express what he really believes.

 

[MightyMom]

I wasn't trying to be extreme. I was trying to give some details since you seemed concerned about the decorations. I'm just saying we were a little overwhelmed with how "pirate" some....(ahem, cough, cough) adults were dressed. The women looked right off the ship. I'm sure Disney is discriminating as to what types of costumes they allow in, but wow. I love Halloween as much as the next guy. I didn't know to what extent you didn't want to be part of MNSSHP.

It sounds like your concerns are not necessary. Go and enjoy!

Ah.. I get it. I wasn't sure why you mentioned the PPP. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[yrdlyprincess]

we went down last year & did the MNSSHP (but I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO love Halloween) but I would say that it's more FALL theme decorations...pumpkins, orange, brown colors....At the entrance to MK there is a scarecrow with hay stack and a banner about the parties...there are huge (fake) jack o lanterns but it isn't like witches or ghosts. Good luck

 

[themilesfamily]

These are all quotes from the Haunted Mansion. Do you also not go on Haunted mansion?

Ohhhhh....THAT'S where they get the beginning of Hallowishes! Is that what Madame Leota is saying in the HM? I was wondering where that "calling up spirits" part came from -- I figured it must have been from a movie, but couldn't place it.

We do go on the Haunted Mansion ride -- well, DD hasn't as she was always too young -- and I had never noticed the "calling up spirits" part while on HM before. Ugh, I just really want to avoid this type of thing -- I want to enjoy the fun of Halloween and all of the Disney rides -- but I'm just not comfortable with this calling up spirits talk. That's really starting to cross the line for me. And I'm probably much more aware of it now that I'm a parent and guiding someone else's religious upbringing.

I don't know. I'm just going to keep reading everyone else's views on this thread. I don't want to be a killjoy for my family -- or overly superstitious -- but I don't want to throw my religious beliefs out into the gutter for a good time, either.

 

[DawnM]

Yes!

Here is something I found:

http://www.grimghosts.com/wdw/leota.html

I think anything that we don't particularly think is what we want our kids to think is ok we make sure and use that as a teaching tool instead of avoiding it completely. That is more our family's idea anyway. Others can do things differently, but we have opted to address Madame Leota and ghosts with talking to the kids about what the Bible tells us about them. (again, hopefully that won't cause a debate, but that is what we do.)

Dawn

Ohhhhh....THAT'S where they get the beginning of Hallowishes! Is that what Madame Leota is saying in the HM? I was wondering where that "calling up spirits" part came from -- I figured it must have been from a movie, but couldn't place it.

We do go on the Haunted Mansion ride -- well, DD hasn't as she was always too young -- and I had never noticed the "calling up spirits" part while on HM before. Ugh, I just really want to avoid this type of thing -- I want to enjoy the fun of Halloween and all of the Disney rides -- but I'm just not comfortable with this calling up spirits talk. That's really starting to cross the line for me. And I'm probably much more aware of it now that I'm a parent and guiding someone else's religious upbringing.

I don't know. I'm just going to keep reading everyone else's views on this thread. I don't want to be a killjoy for my family -- or overly superstitious -- but I don't want to throw my religious beliefs out into the gutter for a good time, either.

 

[themilesfamily]

...we have opted to address Madame Leota and ghosts with talking to the kids about what the Bible tells us about them. (again, hopefully that won't cause a debate, but that is what we do.)
Dawn

I think that's a very sensible approach, actually. I like "teachable moments" and I think kids remember them.

 

[GabbyMom]

Its also Elmos birthday!!!

My Birthday too

 

[Halbleib1]

OP Response to my first post:

"I think the fact that December 25th was originally a pagan holiday has been covered. As a Christian, I choose to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th. On Easter Sunday I choose to celebrate the Ressurection. On Thanksgiving I thank God for his blessings. On 4th of July I thank God for my freedom and this blessed country. I just can't see how halloween glorifies God.

As far as if I allow my kids to dress up at Disney World..... well.... I'm not sure why you're asking..... but..... I allow my kids to dress up all the time. We have a whole toy chest full of dress up items.

As far as if I allow my kids to believe the characters are real.... well.... again.... I'm not sure why you are asking... but.... my DS8 is now starting to realize that the characters aren't "real". He hasn't asked me anything specific, but if he asked.... I wouldn't lie about it. My DS4 has autistic behaviors and doesn't have the receptive or expressive skills to express what he really believes." End of OP Response to my first post.

My 2nd post:

I never said that Halloween did glorify god in any way shape or form. Neither does the 4th of July- it is not a christian holiday it is to celebrate the birth of
our nation. However we can make of things what we choice and can celebrate them how we want to. Freedom of living in America. Some people would disagree and say that you can glorify god with Halloween if you use that day to thank him for keeping satan and bad thoughts out of your life. After all thats how you turned the 4th of July into a christian holiday by thanking god for freedom and this nation. I am sure that you like most people celebrate birthdays- how does this glorify god, oh thats right because you are thanking him for your life. My point being with all of this and I am not judging you in any way is that you can justify things anyway yiou want to and it doesnt make it right or wrong everyone is entitled to an opinion- again freedom of living in America. I was not making any judgements for or against you for not celebrating Halloween or for celebrating any other holiday that you choose to. I was just giving my opinion but you chose to take it as a threat against your believes. As I said in the begining of my previous post that although you are the OP this was not for you directly. I was just stating an opinion and my thoughts on the topic. After all these are message boards open for discussion.

The point I was getting at with asking what your kids believe and if they dress up at Disney if you would have read my whole post was that I do let my son believe in Santa, The Easter Bunny and the Characters at Disney World- (after all he is only 3 years old and nothing wrong with a little imagination and extra magic during his childhood. He will have to deal with the evils and problems of the world soon enough.) and I was wondering if you allowed your children the same because I know that many strict christians do not. (I was just wondering your opinion on the topic no right or wrong answer nor judgement intended with the ?.) Since you obviously do not come right out and tell them that the characters at Disney are not real you do let them believe this indirectly as do I with my son. He has never asked if they are real and I do not tell him any different. The same with Santa and the Easter Bunny. What I will tell him when he finally asks will probably depend on how old he is at the time and why he is asking me.

Since you see nothing wrong with your kids believing that the characters at disney are real and you do let them dress up at home and this is not for glorifying god either than why not let them go trick or treating as well? They do not have to dress up as ghosts or the devil or anything else evil. Again just trying to understand the different opinion and where you are coming from on the topic.

Just so I am not misunderstood I do not think that there is anything wrong with little kids playing dress up nor do I think there is anything wrong with them believing the characters are real at disney as I said above.

 

[MightyMom]

The point I was getting at with asking what your kids believe and if they dress up at Disney if you would have read my whole post was that I do let my son believe in Santa, The Easter Bunny and the Characters at Disney World- (after all he is only 3 years old and nothing wrong with a little imagination and extra magic during his childhood. He will have to deal with the evils and problems of the world soon enough.) and I was wondering if you allowed your children the same because I know that many strict christians do not. (I was just wondering your opinion on the topic no right or wrong answer nor judgement intended with the ?.) Since you obviously do not come right out and tell them that the characters at Disney are not real you do let them believe this indirectly as do I with my son. He has never asked if they are real and I do not tell him any different. The same with Santa and the Easter Bunny. What I will tell him when he finally asks will probably depend on how old he is at the time and why he is asking me.

Since you see nothing wrong with your kids believing that the characters at disney are real and you do let them dress up at home and this is not for glorifying god either than why not let them go trick or treating as well? They do not have to dress up as ghosts or the devil or anything else evil. Again just trying to understand the different opinion and where you are coming from on the topic.

Just so I am not misunderstood I do not think that there is anything wrong with little kids playing dress up nor do I think there is anything wrong with them believing the characters are real at disney as I said above.

Well, obviously I unintentionally struck a nerve. Through past experience I find it's typically not in my best interest to respond in situations such as this.... but I just can't let this go.

What I choose to do on Halloween is a decision I made with much thought and consideration. I feel God has put this specifically in my heart. Why are you questioning me and my faith?

With MUCH hesitation I posted this thread to ask a question that had been weighing on my mind. I appreciate the responses and PM's I've gotten. While not everyone has supported my views.... they have been tactful enough to respect them. I have been given valuable information and I have weighed it carefully in making our touring plan.

I think it's worth saying this one more time.... and I'm just gonna pray you hear me....... I find reason to glorify God in every holiday I choose to celebrate. (BTW... I did not make 4th of July into a "Christian holiday". I just choose to give God the glory on that day.) I just can not justify celebrating halloween when I feel so strongly God has asked me not to.

People have suggested I use that day to be a witness and light to others. If that is what God has impressed upon THEIR hearts... GREAT! I respect that. But that is not what is impressed upon my heart.

I honestly don't think you really want to hear my opinion. I think you want to pick apart my faith and my beliefs.

While some may see my stance as ignorant or contradictory...... I hope everyone can at least respect my steadfast faith and commitment. It is not easy going against the grain.... and very often that is where I find myself.

 

[Halbleib1]

I am not questioning your faith. (Thats the problem with some christians they always think that people are questioning their faith.) I too am a christian but I do not think that everything is all about me and my believes. No you did not hit a nerve with me as I do not care one way or the other if you celebrate Halloween or not as I said in my first post. I also said in my first post that I was just putting my opinion out there and not for any one person. My opinion is just that my opinion. Obviously I hit a nerve with you and made some vaild points otherwise you would not be so defensive and feel the need to justify your believes. I also never said that I did not agree with your views as a matter of fact in my first post (again if you would have read it all) I said that everyone has to make there own choices about these things. I do not see where I have disrespected your views or anything about your faith either for that matter. I was just stating an opinion and I even said in my post that it was not directed at you to begin with. Obviously you feel that because you started this thread with your question that everything is directed at you. It has become very obvious to me that you did not open this thread to get a question answered but to start trouble so that you can push your believes on to everyone else. If you do not celebrate Halloween because god has lead you down the path not to than you already know the answer to your question without asking on here. The simple answer obviously is do not go to Disney World during this time of the year. Question answered. End of discussion.

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

I think it's great that you posted your question here, and that you are so open with sharing your beliefs. I don't have much advice to offer, but I hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[MightyMom]

I am not questioning your faith. (Thats the problem with some christians they always think that people are questioning their faith.) I too am a christian but I do not think that everything is all about me and my believes. No you did not hit a nerve with me as I do not care one way or the other if you celebrate Halloween or not as I said in my first post. I also said in my first post that I was just putting my opinion out there and not for any one person. My opinion is just that my opinion. Obviously I hit a nerve with you and made some vaild points otherwise you would not be so defensive and feel the need to justify your believes. I also never said that I did not agree with your views as a matter of fact in my first post (again if you would have read it all) I said that everyone has to make there own choices about these things. I do not see where I have disrespected your views or anything about your faith either for that matter. I was just stating an opinion and I even said in my post that it was not directed at you to begin with. Obviously you feel that because you started this thread with your question that everything is directed at you. It has become very obvious to me that you did not open this thread to get a question answered but to start trouble so that you can push your believes on to everyone else. If you do not celebrate Halloween because god has lead you down the path not to than you already know the answer to your question without asking on here. The simple answer obviously is do not go to Disney World during this time of the year. Question answered. End of discussion.

You call yourself a Christian.... but you are not displaying very Christian like behavior. You are entitled to your opinion. I'm entitled to mine. It is MY opinion that "Christians" like yourself are the reason so many non-believers (in Christ) stay away from Christianity.

In your heart of hearts you know I did not start this thread to push my beliefs on everyone else. Besides... even if I did..... as a Christian you should be thrilled that I stepped forward and encouraged everyone to glorify God. You are just being mean spirited and trying to get me to be angry. It won't work.

With much hesitation, I posted a simple question. I expected not everyone would support my views...... what I didn't expect was such hostility from a "Christian".

I think the majority of people on this forum do not believe as I do.... but the VAST majority at least respect my decision and have not been as mean spirited as you have.

Your advice to not go to Disney at this time of year is a very simple minded response. Should I also lock my family inside the house during the fall to avoid halloween all together?

I got my answer. Thank you to all those people who responded so tactfully and respectfully despite a difference in opinion. Thank you for all the PM's that have given me support.... even those who do not share the same belief system as I do.

I think this thread has shown that most of us can have intelligent conversations about difficult subjects without getting overly exited.

End of discussion.

 

[nosy parker]

MightyMom, I think you asked your question in the most honest and sincere way you could to get the information you required. And for the most part the responses have been respectful, even though you have indeed piqued some curiosity. I know you probably anticipated people would wonder "why".

You have graciously and respectfully responded all the while indicating MANY times that these are YOUR views and it is not your intention to start any judgement/debate, so I just wanted to chime in and commend you for that. Please don't feel the need to defend/justify what you have decided is best for your life and that of your family, and makes you happy. Some people will obviously not get it. I wish people would live and let live. If it doesn't work for them, they are free to choose to live otherwise.

And I say this as a person who is so NOT on the same page with your views. I have very different life/religious/spiritual/whatever beliefs, but I respect you and your freedom to live what is in your heart. I can see that you would do the same if I expressed my thoughts. It's all we can ask of each other.

Have a great day!

 

[In Luv with Disney]

MightyMom, I applaud your beliefs! I also applaud your conviction and going against the grain. I am sure at times, it is really hard. Kudos to you!

We are Roman Catholic Christians, but not overly religious. We do LOVE God and know that he loves us. To tell you the truth, I NEVER associated Halloween with a somber, evil day. I tell my kids that it's a special day just for kids to dress up, have fun and get candy! That's how I was brought up...so that's how I am bringing my kids up.

Good luck and have a GREAT time at WDW!

 

[PrincessKsMom]

It has become very obvious to me that you did not open this thread to get a question answered but to start trouble so that you can push your believes on to everyone else.

I felt the need to jump in here, after having read the entire thread. I personally love Halloween and it is my favorite holiday. I love the dressing up and trick or treating with my daughter. I'm probably polar opposite of OP. However, I find your posts argumentative and stinging, when there is no need. You have been very antagonistic toward OP and it seems you are the one shoving your opinion down other people's throats. This has been a very friendly, informative and eye opening post for some of us, but you just seem to be here to

 

[disney_family_1247]

They will have Halloween decorations (Mickey shaped pumpkins for example) around MK, but no one will be handing out candy if you're not at the party itself. We've been in September and even Halloween week once, and nothing related to the holiday has ever happened. So many kids are in costumes at Disney World on regular days that you won't notice anything different there either.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

I've typed out this thread at least 1/2 a dozen times. I've always deleted it because I'm worried about : (a) being flamed (b) offending someone (c) starting a disagreement or (d) all of the above.

With much hesitation... I think I've worked up enough moxie to ask this question.

We are a family who chooses not to celebrate Halloween. We celebrate all other holidays (BIG fans of Groundhog Day )

We will be at WDW in mid-September. I've realized that there will be a MNSSHP during the week that we are there. We've opted not to attend.

My concern is about the theming around the park in preparation for the party. I'm assuming there will be a lot of halloween decorations??? How much does the actual party spill over into the daily events?

Now... just to be clear.... while we don't actually participate in halloween.... we still go to Target and Walmart.... my kids know about the holiday.

I just don't want to be put into a situation that makes me uncomfortable. Like a CM offering my kids candy.... but only if they say "Trick or Treat" first. This has happened to us on occassion here at home.
Know what I mean?

Please be nice. I'm trying to be as tactful as possible. I apologize if I've offended anyone.

Interesting topic. I just wanted to add that while my family and I do celebrate Halloween (really want to go to MNSSHP in October 2009!), we do not celebrate Xmas and therefore would not want to go during the holiday season.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Hi all! Moderator here.

I want to thank everyone for the (mostly) kind conversation. I personally like the fact that different families do things differently. To each his own I guess.

But keep in mind that if this thread turns into a fight and if there is attacking of other posters for their beliefs than the thread will be closed and people could end up with infractions and points.

I think the OP did an excellent job of explaining her beliefs -- something she didn't have to do at all. She could have just asked her question and waited for replies. Although her beliefs are different than my own I applaud her for her decision and for the way she explained things.

Have a great trip to Walt Disney World!

 

[MightyMom]

This has been a very friendly, informative and eye opening post for some of us, but you just seem to be here to

Thank you. I realize I posted a controversial question on an upon forum. I expected to raise a few eyebrows. What I didn't expect was so much support from those who didn't share my views. I can't express how thankful I am that so many of you have listened to me with an open mind. Thank you.

MightyMom, I applaud your beliefs! I also applaud your conviction and going against the grain. I am sure at times, it is really hard. Kudos to you!
Good luck and have a GREAT time at WDW!

It is hard to go against the grain. I realize some people will see me as a religious fanatic. I am SO not like that. I have parenting challenges that most people can not comprehend. My boys will struggle with obstacles their entire lives. As a mother, the most I can do for them is give them a strong foundation in faith to help them navigate in this crazy world!

And I say this as a person who is so NOT on the same page with your views. I have very different life/religious/spiritual/whatever beliefs, but I respect you and your freedom to live what is in your heart. I can see that you would do the same if I expressed my thoughts. It's all we can ask of each other.

Have a great day!

Thank you! I wish everyone was as open-minded as you seem to be. Wouldn't the world be a better place?


Thanks again for your responses. I'm grateful.

 

[Chelley00]

Let me see if I can steer this back to the OP's topic

We are Christians who really struggled with celebrating Halloween. We finally felt that we were led to just make sure that our kids knew how some people celebrated (with its beginnings of Satanism, paganism etc), and how we would like to celebrate it (candy, dress up etc) I just knew that they would be subjected to it and wanted to make sure they knew our beliefs and reasoning instead of just avoiding it (not to say that anyone on here is )

We are very careful about what costumes we allow them to wear, about how we decorate, and about explaining the ways other people celebrate. We have long talked about how some people believe in ghosts and spirits, and that we do not and why. My kids see that stuff as part of Halloween, and not as part of their life or spirituality.

With that being said, we went to WDW the week of Halloween, and we did go to a MNSSHP. The kids were so in awe of just being at Disney that we didn't really notice the fall decorations, which was nothing more than pumpkins and scarecrows, so I really would't worry too much about being there at that time.

Of course that changes during MNSSHP, but it was mostly characters in costume (just like we dress up for Halloween) Even for us "lukewarm" Halloween people, we had a great time at the party just for the low crowd levels, the parade with the characters in costumes, and the fireworks.

I applaud your convictions and working so hard to maintain them for you and your family. We do a lot of things that most people don't agree with because of our beliefs. Being a Christian isn't popular, so good for you! I don't think you have to worry about Halloween overload