To Boo or Not To Boo


Boo or Not To Boo … that is the question!

The leaves are changing; the air is crisp; and all things pumpkin spice have flooded the stores around us. Fall is FINALLY here and for some of us, that means the first of a string of holidays to celebrate. For others, it poses a bit of a dilemma: To Boo or Not To Boo.

As a children’s ministry leader/Mom/Gigi/mentor to young moms, I know the struggle is real! There comes a time in every young parent’s life when decisions have to be made about the holidays: “which ones will we take part in?”, “which ones will we stay away from?” and “exactly how will we celebrate certain holidays as a family?”

For many, Halloween is one of those days. I mean, let’s be honest … navigating Target, Walmart, and the local pharmacies can be tricky for a family. They have aisle upon aisle dedicated to the festivities. There are family-friendly things about Halloween like fun costumes, candy, and carving pumpkins as well as things that don’t feel family-friendly at all like evil costumes, haunted houses, and scary movies that leave some scratching their heads. Knowing how you will approach it as a family is important and doesn’t have to be stressful.

If for your family, that means participating in Halloween with fun, age appropriate boundaries in place, consider the following:
  • Make memories by making caramel or candy apples
  • Carve fun designs on pumpkins
  • Prepare treats that encourage others to join you at church
  • Use trick or treat as a way to connect with your neighbors and build community with friends
If your family chooses not to participate in Halloween, do so with confidence but talk it through with your children and choose Fall activities that are family friendly like:
  • Navigating a corn maze
  • Having a bonfire
  • Going on a hayride
  • Finding a Fall Festival to enjoy
In I Corinthians 10:31, we are reminded that “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”. Living consistently as a family who brings glory to God, 365 days a year, is the goal. Jump into the season ahead with a plan and confidence whether you plan To Boo or Not To Boo.

-Tara Franco
hopetown Global Director

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