Trunk-or-Treat!

 

The origins of Halloween can be traced back to 2,000 years ago as an “ancient pagan festival” celebrated by Celtic people. The Bible does not mention Halloween. The Celts believed that the dead could walk among the living at this time.

With all its dark associations, Halloween can still be a joyful holiday that is a treat for families. The key is to keep things fun and light and avoid things that are dark and evil in the name of entertainment. For example 1 Corinthians states, “I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too.”(New International Bible).

It’s possible to have a Halloween that is Christ and family centered. One church hosts a Trunk-or-Treat every Halloween. The congregation meet in the parking lot and back their vehicles into rows. Each family then gets to decorate the back of their car, truck, or van (mini-vans work especially well). Decorations often involve dry ice, cob-webs, sound effects, or anything that adds whimsy and fun.

The kids from the church then go from “trunk to trunk” and trick-or-treat like they normally would in a neighborhood. But trunk-or-treat is so special because everyone gets to greet each other in the faith, and everyone feels safe. Also, decorating the family car into a Halloween spectacle is a great family activity and bonds everyone closer.  This is also the perfect activity for bringing friends outside your church. (See pictures for some trunk or treat ideas that you could share with your family and congregation).