Haloween

Until the last few decades very little notice was taken of haloween in Britain. I guess it was films and TV, especially the latter, that spread the celebration from North America. Commercial interests too have pushed the idea and so gained greatly from another opportunity to sell special themed goods. Haloween is now a major date in the calendar in UK.

One major difference in UK, I gather, is that 'trick or treat' has taken a nasty turn. I am told that 'trick' is meant to refer to the idea that one should 'perform a trick', but in Britain, it has taken the meaning of 'if you don't give me a treat, I'll play a trick on you'. At its worst, this can mean chewing gum in your front-door lock or a scratched car. However rare, and I'm sure such incidences are very rare indeed, such stories coerce people into coughing up the goodies instead of allowing them the privilege of choosing to be generous.

Though disliking the very principle of 'celebrating' haloweeen, even I can appreciate the sometimes brilliant carving of pumpkins and the enjoyment of children dressing up. I am certainly not one to deny the right of anyone else to celebrate whatever they want (within reason!), but I do find the idea that it is all just 'innocent fun' incredibly naive. It is as innocent as Father Christmas and Easter bunnies; in other words, it is anything but innocent. Just as FC gives the impression to young and old alike that Christmas is really all about sentimentality, make-believe and presents, so haloween suggests that evil is really just a bit of fun.

I recall an advertisment for cream (I think) that used the line 'Naughty but nice', and far too many people associate the two as fitting together neatly. It is only a few short short steps to the common idea that 'If I'm not allowed to sin in heaven then I'd rather end up in hell'. (Mind you, I do love cream even though it's a bit naughty in health terms!)

But how should Christians respond to trick-or-treaters? Personally, my home is so isolated that they don't reach me. Problem solved! I guess our reaction should not be to tell them it's wrong or preach at them about Jesus. I think we should be welcoming and generous, and given the chance I would offer a treat of a trick; perhaps something such as a short, fun song about Jesus and a small picture book telling them that Jesus is for real - not like Father Christmas, not like the Easter bunny, not like the tooth fairy and certainly not like ghouls and ghosties and witches in pointy hats.