Halloween is a day that is surrounded by much debate. Here are three helpful tips for those, and especially Christians, not joining the festivities.

1. Don’t Explain

Growing up in a Baptist home that did not celebrate Halloween, I was always asked why I had no costume and did not go trick-or-treating. The answer I was told to give was that I was a Christian and could not take part in celebrations that honored the devil. Though I wished to offend no one I often came off as condescending, and it brought a lot of unnecessary trouble with others. A better answer would have been, “My family just doesn’t celebrate”, and to leave it there plain and simple without the extra trappings. I learned this from non-religious friends who did not celebrate Halloween, and most people would respond with an “OK” and move on.

You do not need to explain your non-observance. Just keep things plain and simple, and most people will respect you.

2. Don’t Promote Fear

Sometimes non-observance is equated with negativity, and those who sit out are wrongly deemed as spoiling the fun. The congregation that I attended growing up encouraged its members to be “Halloween killjoys”, and to point out its dangers that others might get saved. One danger was bad people poisoning candy, a concern that came in response to the death of Timothy O’Bryan in 1974. His father killed him with cyanide laced pixy stick, and since then numerous scary urban legends have come about. While explaining my non-observance I would share these horrid myths, and take the joy from classmates who were only trying to have fun.

Of course, one should always err on the side of caution with Halloween, or any other holiday, but this can done without stoking people’s fears. A better thing to do would be wishing the observant a good day, and actively promoting joy. For example, there are people who do not give out candy, but give nice greetings to trick-or-treaters that come to their door. There are also non-observers who volunteer to check candy, and show that the well-being of children in their community is a top priority.

You do not need to promote fear. Just wish people a good day while showing kindness and care.

3. Don’t Limit Yourself

In addition to Halloween, October 31st has many other celebrations from India’s National Unity Day to National Knock Knock Joke Day. For us Protestants October 31st is Reformation Day, where we remember the birth of our tradition through Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. On this day we a hosts of joyful traditions that we keep, and there are even parties with food, games, and carving pumpkins with Luther’s seal. My point is that there are many other fun things to observe besides Halloween, and they are not made up alternatives like “Hallelujah Night” for disgruntled Christian kids.

You do not need to limit yourself to sitting out and/or feeling left out. Just celebrate the other things that make October 31st so wonderful.

I hope that these three tips are helpful, and for the nonobservant I wish you a joyful October 31st as you stay home or do something else. And for those who are observant I wish you a Happy Halloween and safety as you trick-or-treat and enjoy the festivities.