Celebrating Halloween or Fall Festival?

Well? Do the kiddos get to don their favorite Pokemon character masks and beg for candy or make fun fall-themed craft items? Discuss...

RB

[medpedspouse]

W Discuss...

RB

I have to tell you that this part made me think of the SNL character. I could imagine you making the hand motions.

Back to the debate...sorry for the hijack.

[niener]

Ok, speaking as the grown-up version of a child who was not allowed to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating, my kids are SO going to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating!! (once I have kids, that is). But I also have a major soft spot for some fall themed arts and crafts... last year I got to participate in my first ever pumpkin carving and I was way more excited about it than someone my age should be.

I have to tell you that this part made me think of the SNL character. I could imagine you making the hand motions.

Back to the debate...sorry for the hijack.

uh oh...she's on to me...

Ok, speaking as the grown-up version of a child who was not allowed to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating, my kids are SO going to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating!! (once I have kids, that is). But I also have a major soft spot for some fall themed arts and crafts... last year I got to participate in my first ever pumpkin carving and I was way more excited about it than someone my age should be.

How sad! Was it for religious reasons?

Sorry -- I'm certainly not trying to start an ACTUAL debate. I'm just curious.

My kids dress up for Halloween (although I'm not a fan of Halloween -- I think I was emotionally scarred the year my mom dressed me up as a bag of jelly beans and some older boys kept trying to pop the beans in inappropriate areas).

[Rapunzel]

Oh, heck yeah - this could become a REAL debate (and, heated at that) on some message boards I've seen....

We do Halloween. The kids like to dress up, and I like to eat the candy they bring home.

[niener]

How sad! Was it for religious reasons?

Sorry -- I'm certainly not trying to start an ACTUAL debate. I'm just curious.

Yep. And I think it goes without saying that I am no longer affiliated with said religion. Any barriers between me and candy corn are unacceptable .

But seriously if you want to know more about it I'll be happy to tell you in one of the private forums.

[ladymoreta]

We always dressed up for Halloween. I think that for the most part, it has become a secular, fun holiday, rather than one that honors pagan worship.

My mom was always really cautious about trick or treating, though. We could only go to houses of people she knew (small town), and she followed us in the car.

Yep. And I think it goes without saying that I am no longer affiliated with said religion. Any barriers between me and candy corn are unacceptable .

Okay - between this and your post in the Jacob / Edward thread, I'm really starting to like you.

[Deebs]

I grew up with a lot of Jewish friends (and we still have many Jewish friends), so this seems/seemed like the one holiday we could actually celebrate together (you don't really do a lot to prep for Thanksgiving, as a kid). DH and I are all about it! Actually, the baby is coming right before Halloween, and DH has agreed to spring me from the hospital if my doc doesn't release me before Halloween.

[L.Jane]

I grew up with a lot of Jewish friends (and we still have many Jewish friends), so this seems/seemed like the one holiday we could actually celebrate together (you don't really do a lot to prep for Thanksgiving, as a kid). DH and I are all about it! Actually, the baby is coming right before Halloween, and DH has agreed to spring me from the hospital if my doc doesn't release me before Halloween.

Yeah. I was allowed to go trick or treating, becuase my parents looked at is as more of a ooooh candy time, then a holiday.(my dad benefited off of all the candy we didn't like) But I had friends of mine who were more religious (Jewish) who were not allowed to go. Also I worked at the Jewish Community Center and we did not allow costumes on Halloween. We would have to send a note reminding parents that if kids were going to school dressed up to send them an extra outfit so they could change.

Yes to Halloween.

I have to admit that I don't understand the religious objections. I don't see the Halloween rituals as being a parody or competition to actual religious rituals. It's not like you need to say "HAIL CTHULU" in order to get the candy, KWIM?

[L.Jane]

Yes to Halloween.

I have to admit that I don't understand the religious objections. I don't see the Halloween rituals as being a parody or competition to actual religious rituals. It's not like you need to say "HAIL CTHULU" in order to get the candy, KWIM?

Yes, I hear you, and thats why my parents didn't object to us going and having fun. We werent taught about the holiday, just allowed to have fun... On the other hand, the Halloween/ All Hallows Eve is rooted in All Saints Day and was in some places originally pagan. Two things which are very wrong in the eyes of the Jewish faith. So some parents believe that by allowing their child to participate in the holiday, they are saying what it stands for is true.

But like I said, just explaining the other side a little. I was the Jewish kid who made her Christain friends invite her over to easter egg and christmas tree decorate because I loved arts and crafts.

[Pollyanna]

We are ALL about Halloween, one of my favorite holidays! Those who have issues with Halloween fail to understand that it refers to All Hallows Eve which is the vigil for All Saints and Souls day. Very much like Mardi Gras is for Lent.