Okay. Be Kind. MNSSHP

[DISNEYFOS]

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

We are Christians who really struggled with celebrating Halloween.

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

I do think we need to be careful not to equate being Christian with not celebrating Halloween.

I believe there are plenty of Christians (of many different denominations) that also celebrate Halloween and do not have the same convictions as the OP regarding the holiday. For example, myself

I happen to think being a Christian is very popular! (as are other religions) as is celebrating Halloween as a fun time for children to collect candy and dress up as their favorite character. My daughter has been nemo, piglet, and various princesses..over the past 4 years. It doesn't interfer with our faith and beliefs.

I don't think the OP was claiming the two were analogous.

Thanks!

 

[Chelley00]

I do think we need to be careful not to equate being Christian with not celebrating Halloween.

If you would have quoted my entire post, you would have seen that we are Christians, and we do celebrate Halloween. I never said that people who celebrate Halloween are not Christians, and neither did the OP.


And if being a Christian was so popular, we wouldn't have to defend our beliefs in threads like these

 

[kafitty]

hurray for (mostly) everyone being respectful and kind to one another! Why can't weeeeee be friends, why can't weeee be friends, etc etc....

 

[DISNEYFOS]

I didn't quote the whole thing just to save space.

I think that's my point. I'm not sure where anyone is defending a Christian belief? I see someone defending a personally held belief that Halloween is "not pleasing to god". Which I completely respect by the way and said as much earlier.

 

[ilvdznee]

I am a Christian and have never viewed Holloween the same as you. I guess I choose not to put a meaning into it more than how it is celebrated today (candy, party, costumes) nor do I claim to know what is or is not pleasing God but I respect that you are building a foundation for your children & you are firm in your convictions

 

[kt_mom]

We are Christians and we do allow DD to dress up and go trick or treating. The Christian school that she goes to even has an alternative for kids. They call it a Fall Festival or something and the kids dress up and get candy and they have games and stuff. And we do both.

I grew up, and still am Southern Baptist. I was allowed to go trick or treating as a kid. My parent's choice was not always popular with their Christian friends. My DH's family is Christian as well and he was not allowed to. We discussed it and decided to let DD enjoy it. But she is not allowed to be a ghost or witch or anything like that.

But we don't "celebrate" it really. We buy pumpkins that we put outside until late fall but I don't decorate with ghost or anything. I don't want her to get involved in that aspect of it. And in a few years I will explain to her what I know about the origons of the holiday and why we don't believe in some of the things surrounding it. But that's our take on the holiday. That is the way the Lord has laid it on my heart to deal with it. If I felt He wanted me to avoid it completely then I certainly would.

That being said, I think what hits a nerve is being asked if you allow your children to dress up or believe in Santa or the characters. That's apples and oranges really. July 4 is a secular holiday but its not the same as celebrating ghosts and ghouls and witchcraft. Things that go very blatantly against Christian beliefs. It's not about cutting everything out of your life that doesn't specifically glorify God and keeping your kids in a bubble. But rather choosing not to take part in things that you feel go directly against God. It's a personal choice and personal belief. And that's our choice.

I'm okay with letting DD trick or treat. But that's the extent of it. And we took DD on Haunted Mansion and Tower of Terror. Two of my favortie rides. But I explained to DD after HM that we don't believe in Ghosts and what we believe the Bible teaches about death and so forth. That the ride is make believe. At four it may have gone in one ear and out the other, but I will tell her the same thing again next time. So one day she will understand.

This year we are going in December to see the Christmas decorations. I would love to go next year and MNSSHP. Like I said we do allow DD to dress up and go get candy and stuff, but if we encounter things we don't approve of, we can use that as a chance to talk to her about our beliefs. Now if I felt that God had laid it on my heart not to allow DD any part of Halloween then I would avoid MNSSHP and I would probalby have similar questions as the OP.

OP I think its wonderful that you are strong in your faith. It's difficult to go against the grain sometimes. Your children will thank you for that. Whether they follow the same beliefs as adults or not, they will see your strength and consistency.

 

[lillygator]

well DD was born on Halloween - so it's huge to us!

We usually attend the MNSSHP every year. If you don't attend the party I don't really recall much in the way of decorations that you may find offensive. The characters are not dressed up during the day, etc.

 

[Ohana90]

Wow!!
Lil confused but thats okay.
Guess my beliefs are a lil different. i guess i'm a lil confused as to what is so bad that god would not let you celebrate the afterlife. Halloween to me is when the spirit world can once again reunite with the normal world and again celebrate life for just one night. Halloween is HUGE in my part of town. We all go out and decorate our loved ones graves with pumpkins and flowers and such. Death isnt evil. IMO. Just curious why it is portrayed as evil? I am a devout Catholic who attends church every sunday, goes to ACTS retreats and kids attend Catholic School. Just curious why Christians feel differently. When we die we all go to the same place right? Just trying to understand the religious differences.

As far as the parks, like everyone has already mentioned depending when you go you should check to make sure that DDD isnt celebrating as well cause I know around the weekend of Halloween they do Trick or Treating also. (didnt see your dates on here unless i overlooked sorry) Other than that shouldnt have any issues with the holiday affecting your visit.

 

[kt_mom]

I believe that to absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I don't believe in ghosts or spirits that haven't crossed over or whatever. I believe when you die you go either go to Heaven or to hell.

That's why we don't celebrate those aspects of Halloween. And that's why a ride on HM requires a talk with DD afterwards.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Wow!!
Lil confused but thats okay.
Guess my beliefs are a lil different. i guess i'm a lil confused as to what is so bad that god would not let you celebrate the afterlife. Halloween to me is when the spirit world can once again reunite with the normal world and again celebrate life for just one night. Halloween is HUGE in my part of town. We all go out and decorate our loved ones graves with pumpkins and flowers and such. Death isnt evil. IMO. Just curious why it is portrayed as evil? I am a devout Catholic who attends church every sunday, goes to ACTS retreats and kids attend Catholic School. Just curious why Christians feel differently. When we die we all go to the same place right? Just trying to understand the religious differences.

As far as the parks, like everyone has already mentioned depending when you go you should check to make sure that DDD isnt celebrating as well cause I know around the weekend of Halloween they do Trick or Treating also. (didnt see your dates on here unless i overlooked sorry) Other than that shouldnt have any issues with the holiday affecting your visit.

I think the problem some have is (and I could be wrong) that they believe once you die, you are in heaven (or where ever) and you cannot be reunited with your family because you are with the Lord and there is no need for it because you are at your final resting place and your soul is at peace. Only souls that go to the "other" place would have that ability since they are not at peace and at rest.

As far as placing pumpkins etc on family graves, it seems to me that you may have picked up a few of the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead (usually on 11/1 or 11/2) where they celebrate their dead relatives and decorate graves, have parties, etc. I think this might be more of a regional thing (I see you're in Texas) than anything else.

 

[kt_mom]

I think the problem some have is (and I could be wrong) that they believe once you die, you are in heaven (or where ever) and you cannot be reunited with your family because you are with the Lord and there is no need for it because you are at your final resting place and your soul is at peace. Only souls that go to the "other" place would have that ability since they are not at peace and at rest.

I don't believe any souls can be anywhere other than one place or the other. Your either in Heaven or the other place. I don't believe in any wandering souls whether good or bad.

I don't want to get into a debate about ghosts or suprernatural events. I'm just stating what I believe. And as a Christian how a lot of what surrounds Halloween goes against my Christian beliefs and how we deal with it in our family.

 

[Ohana90]

I think the problem some have is (and I could be wrong) that they believe once you die, you are in heaven (or where ever) and you cannot be reunited with your family because you are with the Lord and there is no need for it because you are at your final resting place and your soul is at peace. Only souls that go to the "other" place would have that ability since they are not at peace and at rest.

As far as placing pumpkins etc on family graves, it seems to me that you may have picked up a few of the Mexican traditions of Day of the Dead (usually on 11/1 or 11/2) where they celebrate their dead relatives and decorate graves, have parties, etc. I think this might be more of a regional thing (I see you're in Texas) than anything else.

I married into a Hispanic family. Dios de los Muertos (hope I spelled it right LOL) is what I was referring to. always confuse them both since it is the Day after Halloween.

I see your point. I believe in ghosts. I guess it all depends on the individuals beliefs. I dont think though just because you die doesnt mean you can never be reunited. I honestly think "Angels" are our loved ones watching over us in bad times. "Ghosts" are the loved ones who didnt want to leave or left to quickly who didnt realize they have passed on. (IMO)doesnt make them evil in my book just missed the bus you know what I mean.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I don't believe any souls can be anywhere other than one place or the other. Your either in Heaven or the other place. I don't believe in any wandering souls whether good or bad.

I don't want to get into a debate about ghosts or suprernatural events. I'm just stating what I believe. And as a Christian how a lot of what surrounds Halloween goes against my Christian beliefs and how we deal with it in our family.

Thanks for clarifying. Again I was only trying to generalize a response, without people feeling the need to explain or go into detail about their religious beliefs and each aspect (souls, ghosts, etc.). I'm sorry if you felt I was beginning a debate.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

I married into a Hispanic family. Dios de los Muertos (hope I spelled it right LOL) is what I was referring to. always confuse them both since it is the Day after Halloween.

I see your point. I believe in ghosts. I guess it all depends on the individuals beliefs. I dont think though just because you die doesnt mean you can never be reunited. I honestly think "Angels" are our loved ones watching over us in bad times. "Ghosts" are the loved ones who didnt want to leave or left to quickly who didnt realize they have passed on. (IMO)doesnt make them evil in my book just missed the bus you know what I mean.

I'm Roman Catholic (and not a very good one ) so I guess I shouldn't have taken it upon myself to try to respond on behalf of others who have different beliefs. I only know about DotD because my daughter studied it in Spanish class and aspects of your post sounded very familiar. We actually went so far as to go to the Mexican pavilion in Epcot and view their displays on it and send an email postcard back to her class!

 

[Ohana90]

I don't believe any souls can be anywhere other than one place or the other. Your either in Heaven or the other place. I don't believe in any wandering souls whether good or bad.

I don't want to get into a debate about ghosts or suprernatural events. I'm just stating what I believe. And as a Christian how a lot of what surrounds Halloween goes against my Christian beliefs and how we deal with it in our family.

This is kinda interesting. I can honestly consider myself religious stupid. All I honestly know is Catholic. So help me understand and let me know if I am wrong...Christians feel that halloween is a day to celebrate the evil spirits from hell? (since they dont believe in ghosts) That would explain why they wouldnt celebrate it.

 

[annacp]

It's your life and your kids! You can believe whatever you want. Isn't that what America is supposed to be about? I don't understand questioning or arguing about it--it's not like something posted on a message board is suddenly going to change your direction in life. ANYWAY...

That's a picture from MNSSHP, taken at about 5-6 pm. IIRC, the leaves, Mickey head, and the fabric banner part are up all of the time, but the wording is hung up right before the party. There are other fall/harvest/pumpkin decorations around the park. I'm sure there are more/better pics out there--that was just one I had to share. None of the trick-or-treating starts until after 7pm. We didn't experience anyone coming up to us before then and handing something out with the forced "trick or treat." I've never had a CM hand us candy other than at the specified lines. We've gotten stickers (plain, round Mickey), but never candy, and there was never a condition placed on the gift. That's just our personal experience though!

They do start announcing the party (sort of a spooky voice announcement) and trying to herd everyone without wristbands out of the park probably 5-6ish, but you could avoid that entirely by just not going to MK on a party day.

Have fun in Disney!

 

[Ohana90]

I'm Roman Catholic (and not a very good one ) so I guess I shouldn't have taken it upon myself to try to respond on behalf of others who have different beliefs. I only know about DotD because my daughter studied it in Spanish class and aspects of your post sounded very familiar. We actually went so far as to go to the Mexican pavilion in Epcot and view their displays on it and send an email postcard back to her class!

no worries.

I too am roman catholic but married into hispanic catholic. Just kidding really no difference. Its actually a really neat holiday. I can definately say just because their loved ones have moved on doesnt mean they are forgotten. Some of the graves are actually quite beautiful.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

no worries.

I too am roman catholic but married into hispanic catholic. Just kidding really no difference. Its actually a really neat holiday. I can definately say just because their loved ones have moved on doesnt mean they are forgotten. Some of the graves are actually quite beautiful.

I must admit I thought it was somewhat morbid when first introduced to the concept (leaving out grandpa's favorite dinner on the table, his favorite cigars, etc.) but the more familiar I became with it I found it quite endearing. I think the masks, skeleton faces, etc. were what really freaked me out at first! This is something I probably never would have become familiar with without my DD's Spanish class. I'm always curious about different religions, cultures, etc. but too afraid to ask what may turn out to be a stupid and offensive question, completely intended without malice.

Thanks to all who have posted and keeping this mostly on an informative and friendly level.

 

[MightyMom]

Wow!!
Lil confused but thats okay.
Guess my beliefs are a lil different. i guess i'm a lil confused as to what is so bad that god would not let you celebrate the afterlife. Halloween to me is when the spirit world can once again reunite with the normal world and again celebrate life for just one night. Halloween is HUGE in my part of town. We all go out and decorate our loved ones graves with pumpkins and flowers and such. Death isnt evil. IMO. Just curious why it is portrayed as evil? I am a devout Catholic who attends church every sunday, goes to ACTS retreats and kids attend Catholic School. Just curious why Christians feel differently. When we die we all go to the same place right? Just trying to understand the religious differences.

I'm in south Texas too!

I don't believe Halloween is about celebrating the afterlife. For me... the afterlife is "Heaven".... I don't believe Halloween celebrates Heaven.

" Today's Halloween customs are greatly influenced by Samhain, a holiday observed by the ancient Celts. Samhain began at sundown on October 31st and extended into the following day. The Celtic pagan religion, called Druidism, believed that the spirits of those who had died in the preceding year roamed the earth on Samhain evening. It was believed that the spirits took over the bodies of the living. In order to ward off these spirits, the Celts prepared offerings of food and drink, they dressed in masks and costumes to confuse the spirits, built bonfires and performed rituals at sacred sites. These rituals often involved animal and human sacrifices thought to honor Druid gods."

The occult also uses this day for evil practices.

I don't think this honors God. I don't think He finds this pleasing. I do realize many Christians see this as an innocent holiday and pick and choose how they celebrate it. I'm not one of those people.... but I don't judge those who choose to celebrate. Everyone has to follow what is in their heart.

I haven't mentioned this in earlier posts.... but I do want to say that this has ALWAYS been in my heart.

As a child my family celebrated Halloween. My step-mom even set up a haunted house. My spirit always felt uneasy. It wasn't that I was "scared".... I just felt a pulling on my heart to not be a part of it.

When you feel a conviction so deep within your soul, there is no way I can deny it.

My husbands family has a special weekend in early May called "Decoration". There is a HUGE family cemetary in the Victoria, Texas area. The entire family.... probably 100 people at least.... flock to this area and decorate the graves. Some of the graves are hundreds of years old. I thought it was kinda odd when we first got married..... but now I realize it's a family reunion of sorts. After the graves are decorated on Saturday morning, the family has a HUGE party...... and on Sunday morning everyone goes to the same church. I've only attended twice. I haven't been in over 9 years. The area is not handicap accessible and my son uses a wheelchair.

 

[Chelley00]

So help me understand and let me know if I am wrong...Christians feel that halloween is a day to celebrate the evil spirits from hell? (since they dont believe in ghosts) That would explain why they wouldnt celebrate it.

Many Christians don't celebrate Halloween because of the fact that it's been historically a (Using the term loosely) Satanic "holiday". We are just very careful to stress to our children that we celebrate the "tamed down version" of trick or treating and dress up, and not the evil or scary parts.

Some don't celebrate it because of its origin of evil spirits and ghosts.




I copied this from history.com.

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.