Celebrations

Our household doesn’t always celebrate things the way everyone else does. That’s ok with us. This is how we feel God is leading our family.

Characters
Characters (such as Santa Clause, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, etc.) have never existed in our household and we feel that we don’t need to have children put their faith in a make believe person. After the realization that there isn’t a such thing as a Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, etc., I don’t want them think we are lieing to them. I don’t want the question of “If you lied to me about the existence of Santa Clause, then did you lie to me about the existence of God?” I have heard of this actually being asked of parents who celebrate with those characters.

Am I saying what you are doing is wrong? No, I’m saying that as a family, my husband and I have decided NOT to use these characters as a way of giving. Instead, we give them things from us. They are all fully aware that other children are believing in these make believe characters, but they know that they aren’t real and the ones they see in the stores are just “someone dressed up in a costume”. We have, however, instructed our children not to ruin it for other children. Letting them know that other families allow their children to believe in these things, and to not ruin their family’s traditions.

Halloween
We do not celebrate Halloween. The Halloween holiday is focused on fear. I do not want my children to be exposed to this type of evil. Ephesians 5:11 says “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” 1 Thes 5:22 says “Abstain from every form of evil.” Halloween is a holiday that celebrates evil (darkness). So we, as a family, have decided to not participate in this holiday.

Am I saying you shouldn’t? No, I’m saying that we, as a family, will not participate in Halloween. I know many Christians who do celebrate and have their children dressed up as angels, cartoon characters, etc. (nothing evil). We have chosen to just abstain from the whole holiday as not to confuse our children as to what we do/don’t believe in. What are they really missing? Candy? We give them candy on that day, so that’s not something that they miss. Dressing up? Well, they are allowed to use their imaginations and dress up at home when they are playing, I, however, will not purchase costumes for them to dress up in.

I believe that God convicts people differently, depending on their calling. Some are called to abstain from alcohol, others, maybe not.

Am I saying that I’m a better Christian than those who celebrate with Characters or celebrate Halloween? No, I’m saying that we have chosen to not do these things. I know many Christians who still celebrate in those ways who are stronger in their faith than I am.

It’s not my place to judge what you do, that’s God’s job. I’m just putting this information out there because I’m always asked why I don’t do this or that.

Blessings!