Why Halloween is more Christian than Christmas
This is a slightly edited version of a post I wrote on my old blog two years ago. Methinks it still stands today, so in the spirit of All Hallows’ Eve, enjoy!
I have a theory that in the US, culturally speaking, Halloween is more Christian than Christmas…
Christmas in the US is all about the naughty/nice thing. It’s self-absorbed and turned inward (aka ‘sinful’). You might remember what it’s like to enter the Christmas season with fear and trembling about ending up on that naughty list.
But on Halloween, we don’t do a morality check at the door with the trick-or-treaters. We don’t stoop to little Timmy and ask in our smug grown-up voices, “Sooooo… Have you been a good little boy?”
Ugh.
Gag me with a Blow Pop…
Halloween brings out the best in us. It models what a Christian community should look like. We’re turned outward in joy towards our neighbors. Homes are decorated in a spirit of mischievous conviviality. Excitement fills the air. The least of these, the children, are the focal point of the night. And not just yours or mine… All children!
Christmas is based on exclusive gift-giving. On Halloween, gifts are given freely and joyously from stranger to stranger with no prompting other than the obligatory, “Trick or treat!”
On Halloween, we mock death by dressing up as the undead. As my dear friend, theologian Joel Cruz quipped, “In the light of Christ’s resurrection, mocking death is a natural and holy response.” It’s a beautiful thing those little zombies and demons running around.
During Christmas, we often fall into exclusivity… We only invite our personal favorite people into the confines of our home. But on Halloween, we’re out on front porches, stoops, and yards. Property lines are dissolved, and everyone is welcome everywhere (well, there are always those few who turn their lights off on Halloween, but they have their own stuff going on).
Halloween brings out the best in us.
It models what a Christian community should look like.
Segregated lines of race and class are shattered on Halloween. There’s compelling social science showing a big correlation between a community’s health and the extent to which it celebrates Halloween. When else do we see this kind of an intergenerational gathering of such joy?
What better way to honor the dead, celebrate the saints, and walk together towards the darkest time of the year, bellies full of candy and spirits held high? What other holiday embodies with joy the ethos of “loving our neighbors as ourselves” which Jesus calls to us every day?
In Joy,
Jonas+
Ah, yes! Thank you Pastor Jonas. I recognize much of the old Jonas here. Love it!
It it brings people together, and reminds folks that we share far more than we disagree on, then that’s a good thing!