I'm not sure when Halloween turned into a Vegas strip show. In the not-so-distant past, children wore fun, silly costumes. My artist neighbor always had witty ideas and helped us make our own getups. Sometimes I ended up wearing my ballet outfit because I was rushing home from lessons.
When you look at a Walmart catalog today, it seems like the costumes from 8-year olds to seniors are all about sexy. I don't want to think about what sort of message a little girl wearing a sexy nurse uniform sends, but as Catholics we have to be aware of what sort of image we present to the world. We can discuss the origins of Halloween and talk about the evil connotations that may be around us, but we can also find ways to enjoy the day. We're still living in the world, even if we strive to not be of the world.
To quote the sadly mistaken Cady from Mean Girls, "Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it." This idea is pervasive in our society. So what do we do? Do we participate in the secular culture that surrounds Halloween? What should our response be?
There are different ways to be attractive on Halloween that don't involve a French maid or tiny bunny outfit. Here are some ideas:
Be Selfless: Trick or treat with families that have kids. My sister would never turn down a babysitting offer, even if it's just taking the older children out, so she has some quiet time with the ones in diapers. Sometimes just minding the incessant doorbell ringing can be a big help.
Be Courageous: According to Fr. Steve Grunow: "The Catechism has a lot to say about the characteristics of heroic virtue and holiness of life that create the Church’s saints. It also has a lot to say about Christ’s victory over sin, death and the devil. These are the kinds of things that the festivities of Catholic Halloween should be celebrating with great gusto and panache." When I was a teenager, my mother handed out holy cards with her candy. It was more than a little embarrassing to me, but what are we celebrating anyway? American Catholics have gotten used to very sanitized celebrations of our Faith—other cultures take advantage of this triduum to remember the souls in Purgatory, pray for deceased family members, and honor the saints. The Day of the Dead in Mexico has gained almost national holiday status. We should never lose sight of the real meaning behind the holiday.
Be Joyful: Celebrate Halloween in a fun and joyful way—some friends (of friends) are dressing up as Christmas carolers and then going out trick or treating to sing Christmas songs at every house. Christmas in October? Yes! Help organize an All Saints' Day party, so children can dress up as their favorite saints and celebrate their virtues, while learning about their holy lives.
Be Generous: Give out good candy bars and lots of them. You don't want to be known as the house that gives out toothbrushes. (Really.) But don't forget it's Halloween! Include some trickery in your house—maybe get one of those bowls that grabs your hand when you try to reach for the candy or have spooky music playing in the background. Dress up, even if you're only celebrating by handing out the candy. When else would you welcome the opportunity to open the door dressed in pajamas and curlers?
Be Mindful: Halloween was originally known as All Hallow's Eve. The Church remembers the faithful departed throughout the entire month of November. Having some spooky fun on Halloween should put a little holy fear in all of us to prepare our own souls for the Four Last Things. Always remember to pray for the souls in purgatory and plan to visit a cemetery on All Souls' Day. There are indulgences to be gained!
Be Creative: Halloween is not a reason to dress up inappropriately. Costumes should be fun! I've always thought that more people should have themed costume parties—literary characters, actors, composers/musicians, a particular decade, etc. Party-goers would have to put a little thought into their costumes if there were awards in different categories. Get a group together and dress up as the characters from Star Wars or the Wizard of Oz.
Do you celebrate Halloween? What are your plans for tonight? Is there a way to use Halloween as a way to improve your interior life?
