After sharing why our family chose to step away from Halloween, I wanted to share what that actually looks like for us now and what I envision it looking like in the future as we learn not just to avoid darkness, but to reflect Christ’s light within it.
Each family’s walk with the Lord is unique. This is simply what our family envisions for that night, ways we hope to make our home a place of peace, worship, and light while standing firm in our convictions.
Right now, this is still an idea in the making as I ask God to help me change my habits for the better. For most of my life, I responded to Halloween by turning off the lights and staying quiet until it passed. I thought the best way to stay separate from darkness was to avoid it completely.
But lately, God has been working on my heart. He gently showed me that hiding isn’t the same as shining. While it is wise to avoid participating in darkness, it is also powerful to proclaim His light. I have started to feel convicted not to fear this night, but to use it intentionally for His glory, to let our home become a visible reminder that Jesus reigns even on a night when the world celebrates fear.
We currently live on our ranch where neighbors don’t come by, but I still think about what this could look like when we are back in a neighborhood someday. I want our home to be known as a house that stands apart, one that brings peace and points to Jesus.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Keeping Our Home Peaceful and Welcoming
Even though we live in the country right now, I want to keep a spirit of openness and kindness. In the future, if we live in a community again, I want our home to feel peaceful, inviting, and full of warmth without participating in Halloween.
If someone ever stops by, I would love for them to sense that our home is filled with love and joy. Instead of simply saying, “We don’t celebrate Halloween,” I imagine saying something like, “We’re having a family potluck and worship night tonight, you’re welcome to join us if you’d like.”
Our heart is not to hide from people, but to invite them into something different, to offer connection, peace, and light in place of fear and darkness. I want our home to reflect the heart of Jesus, welcoming, sincere, and full of love.
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
From Hiding to Shining
This conviction to be the light has changed my heart. For years, I thought my only choice was to turn inward and wait for the night to pass, but now I see that God’s people are called to do the opposite, to bring light where darkness tries to dwell.
In my mind, I picture a future evening where our home radiates worship and peace instead of silence. I imagine soft lights glowing on the porch and worship music playing in the background, filling the air with songs of hope. Families might walk by and sense that something is different, not because of candy or decorations, but because the presence of God rests there.
I dream of inviting family and friends over for a simple potluck and prayer night, using that evening to celebrate truth and fellowship. It would be a night of gratitude and worship, a joyful reminder that light will always overcome darkness.
Even now, in our quiet ranch season, we can begin preparing our hearts to shine right where we are through prayer, worship, and gratitude.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Blessing Without Compromise
We will not hand out candy, and that decision comes from a personal conviction to step away from the self-indulgent culture that surrounds Halloween. Instead, I want what we give or display to reflect light, purity, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
At our home, you’ll likely see white pumpkins and teal pumpkins on the porch. The white represents peace, purity, and the harvest season that God created, not fear or darkness. It also holds a special meaning for families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss, including our own. My husband and I each have a precious child in heaven, held safely in the arms of Jesus, and we have dear friends and family who have walked that same road. The white pumpkin reminds us of their lives, their light, and the hope we have in Christ’s promise of eternal life. The teal pumpkin symbolizes care and awareness for children with allergies, showing that our home is a safe and thoughtful space.
If we do hand out anything, it will be small, toddler-safe, and allergy-friendly, such as glow sticks to symbolize being a light for Jesus, bottles of water to refresh and bless, or small cards with Scripture to encourage others.
And truly, when you think about it, how often does someone come right to your door smiling, knocking, and ready to receive something from you? That moment presents an incredible opportunity to share the gospel in simple and gentle ways. It may be one of the few times people willingly approach your home, open to receiving a word of truth, hope, or kindness. Even if all they take away is a Bible verse, a peaceful atmosphere, or a glimpse of God’s love through your demeanor, that encounter can plant a seed that only the Holy Spirit can grow.
This isn’t about trying to make something dark into something good or repurposing Halloween. It’s about using that same night, a night the world uses for fear, to lift up the name of Jesus instead. We aren’t celebrating the holiday in any form; we are simply choosing to fill our home with worship, light, and peace when the world around us celebrates otherwise.
My goal is to create a home that quietly says, “We are here, we care, and we belong to Jesus.” It’s not about being different for the sake of standing out, but about being set apart for His glory.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
Making the Evening About Worship, Reformation, and Family
This night can become one of our favorite family traditions, not because of costumes or candy, but because of worship, prayer, and purpose. We can prepare a special dinner, share what we are thankful for, and pray together for our community.
We will also talk about Reformation Day, remembering how October 31 marked a bold moment in church history when truth triumphed over deception. It reminds us that even in the darkest seasons, God’s light always breaks through.
If you’d like to learn more about why our family chooses to acknowledge Reformation Day, you can read about it here.
I imagine gathering friends and family for a night of music, prayer, and fellowship, an evening that proclaims Jesus and fills our home with light. It’s my hope that those who pass by will sense something different, something peaceful and holy, that points their hearts toward Him.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11)
Ending the Evening with Gratitude
At the end of the night, we will take time as a family to thank God for His presence and protection. We will talk with our children about why we do what we do, reminding them that living differently isn’t about missing out, it’s about walking in obedience and finding fullness of joy in Christ.
Even here on the ranch, we can make this night one of reflection and worship, teaching our children that obedience to God is not limiting, it is freeing and full of peace.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)
Remembering What It’s All About
Our hope is that our children grow up knowing they were not made to blend in, but to shine. They were created to live boldly for Jesus, to love deeply, and to carry His light wherever they go.
Whether we are on this ranch or one day in a neighborhood surrounded by others, our desire will stay the same, that our home will serve the Lord, radiate His peace, and reflect His presence to everyone who comes near.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
A Family Prayer
Lord, thank You for calling our family to walk in Your light. Help our home to be a place of peace, worship, and truth no matter where we are. Fill it with Your Spirit and let the light that shines from us point others to You.
Teach us not to hide from the world, but to bring Your presence into it. Let our words, actions, and songs declare Your goodness and love.
May our home become known as a house of light, where Your name is lifted high. May neighbors see the difference, feel Your peace, and be drawn to You, our Savior, our Protector, and our God. Amen.
The Faithful Home 