7 Ways Mormons Celebrate Halloween
October is a month full of pumpkins, ghosts, and trick-or-treaters. Some Christian groups don’t encourage Halloween festivities, but The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not one of them. The Church has no issue with its members participating in the harmless cultural parties and traditions. In fact, Mormons celebrate Halloween like many other families and here’s how:
Going to the Pumpkin Patch
Mormons love to spend time together as families, and Halloween provides wonderful opportunities for fun family-friendly outings. For Family Home Evening, a designated night during the week dedicated to family time, the night could be spent learning about the beautiful world God created followed by a trip to a pumpkin patch.
Many pumpkin patches also offer other fun activities like face painting, hay rides, and corn mazes. Going to a fun destination spot like this is a safe and fun way that Mormon families enjoy the Halloween season.
Pumpkin Carving
What good would be the pumpkin patch if you didn’t take time to carve the pumpkins you picked? Carving pumpkins is a great family activity. Mormons encourage creativity and self expression. Pumpkin carving is a great outlet for the imagination and an expression of holiday enthusiasm. Pumpkin carving is messy fun project that brings the family together.
Decorating the House
Some Mormon families go all out when it comes to Halloween decorations. Really, we have only a month or so to enjoy them, so we should make it count! Decorating for Halloween often coincides with general fall decorations and makes the home environment fun and festive. Because Halloween decorations are so fleeting, it’s fun to involve children in the process.
You can go online and find countless ideas for children-friendly art projects.
Mormons place great value on the spirit of the home, and the joy and beauty of the harvest season can be accented in the household. Mormons don’t, however, want to invite anything into their homes that would disrupt the spirit of peace and safety that they strive to cultivate; Halloween decorations in Mormon homes are tasteful and harmless.
Baking Treats
Nothing is quite as fun during the Halloween season as making all of those themed cookies and treats. You can make general fall treats like pumpkin bread and caramel apples, or you could take your baking to the next level and whip out treats like candy corn sugar cookies, Oreo bats, monster munch, or Nutella banana mummies.
Many Mormons enjoy being creative in the kitchen, and once again, you can involve kids in these activities. Because members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strive to be service-oriented, delivering these goodies to neighbors and friends can be both an expression of love and service as well as a celebration of culture.
If you’re not big on baking, you can find delicious seasonal treats at places like the pumpkin patch and even at your local grocery store. You can find many more fun Halloween craft and recipe ideas here.
Costumes
Mormons have nothing against dressing up in costume–in fact, some even love that part of Halloween! Some parents enjoy piecing costumes together from stuff they already own, others take time to sew costumes, and some keep it simple by heading to the store. Costumes are a fun way for a family to express themselves and for children to be creative and festive.
If you know any Mormons, you’ve already witnessed their adherence to modesty. The Church of Jesus Christ does maintain its dress and conduct standards for Halloween. No racy outfits here! So while costumes are a fun way that Mormons celebrate Halloween, they should be modest and appropriately themed.
Halloween Parties
Parties are one of the best parts about Halloween. Some Mormons even host their own Halloween-themed celebrations. Mormon kids are encouraged to participate in school socials, and most Mormon congregations sponsor their own Halloween parties. Mormon Halloween parties are great, because they’re family-friendly, safe, and loads of fun.
These parties often include fun activities like a cake walk, a chili cookoff, or a costume parade. The celebrations start early enough so that the festivities don’t run into bedtime, making it easier for parents. Fun and safe parties are a popular way Mormons celebrate Halloween.
Trick-or-Treating
What would Halloween be without some candy, right? Trick-or-treating is a fun and traditional way to celebrate the holiday. Parents may set their own guidelines for trick-or-treating and often accompany young children as they go door-to-door. Mormons do offer a safe alternative to trick-or-treating for those who don’t feel comfortable walking around the neighborhoods.
This phenomenon is known as “trunk-or-treating”.
“Trunk-or-Treating” Defined:
An event where participants hand out candy from their decorated cars in a parking lot or other open area. This option allows for a safe and controlled environment and also prevents kids from straying too far from home or getting lost in the dark.
Mormons know how to have fun for Halloween! The Church doesn’t have doctrine that forbids participating in the cultural celebrations that are part of Halloween. Mormons value community involvement and family time, both things that Halloween fun can provide. The Church of Jesus Christ, however, does not condone any activity that celebrates or encourages evil acts or worship.
October is a wonderful time of the year where we get to enjoy the fleeting fall colors and celebrate such an easy and fun holiday. It is also a time that invites families to enjoy being together, use their imaginations, and connect with their communities.
Now the real issue is, What are you going to be for Halloween this year?
