Halloween

I am ambivalent about Halloween. To hear Christians talk about it, I should feel guilty over my ambivalence. But I just can’t get myself excited about it one way or another.

If you were to throw a dress up party, I’m likely to miss it. If you were to give me free candy, I’m likely to place it in a bowl and offer it to you next time you come over.

I’m just ambivalent about Halloween.

I went to dinner with some friends yesterday and saw a scary Halloween decorative item on the console of the restaurant lobby. I took a picture of it using my iphone. It looked a lot scarier in the picture than in real life. I posted it on twitter.

For 2 minutes.

It then occurred to me that some Christians may be offended by the picture, and their assumed conclusion that I am a Halloween junkie.

I’m not. I’m ambivalent about Halloween.

I don’t even have enough energy on the subject to google it and read about its origin so I can argue intelligently on it one way or another.

I’m working tonight. And it’s Halloween. Working on a holiday can be the worst thing in the world. Or it can be the best thing in the world.

In this case, I’m ecstatic. I don’t have to worry about spending unnecessary money on candy that will contribute to national decay and obesity. I won’t have to spend money unnecessarily on a holiday that some might find offensive. I won’t have to spend money unnecessarily on a possible witch based celebration.

Not that I know much about the details of Halloween origins.

I’ll tell you what I’m not ambivalent about: scary movies. I hate them. Ask most single girls who live alone. They hate them too. Life is scary enough as it is. Who needs the added intensity?

I’m grateful that Halloween is on a Sunday this year. It will cause less disruption for school age children and their parents. I’m grateful for the color orange. I like it. And I’m grateful for mature Christians who can keep perspective on all things biblical – and understand when certain Christian liberties can apply.

But I, for one, remain ambivalent about Halloween.

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