Ick! Halloween!

I don’t really care for Halloween. In fact, I guess I hate it. I don’t like the deathly frightening costumes, greedy children scurrying through the streets in search of a hand out, people choosing to be scared to death, haunted houses, or horror flicks. Mostly I don’t like what the day represents - The Day of the Dead. Eeeeewwwww! Why would you want to celebrate something so evil? A day when the underworld is in control, spirits are conjured up, and people interact with the deceased. Do you really need to speak to your expired Aunt Tilly? Can’t you let the woman rot in peace? I’m sure whatever you have to say to her isn’t THAT important! I mean, really, it’s even more pagan than Fat Tuesday! I have spent most of my time trying to avoid this holiday or compromising my feelings about it. Fall Festivals have always been a sore spot. I feel they are a concession by the church and have never found them to be a ministry, despite popular belief. I think most view it as a "safe place" where parents can bring their children to free load off the local church and don’t have to worry about razors or needles in their candy. However, I gave in this year and hosted a Festival for those of us that find participating in the church gathering both stressful and troublesome. I tried to create a "Fall/Harvest" party, but it turned into more of an alternative for Halloween. I should have known better. We played games and the kids won candy, we roasted hot dogs, and made s’mores over the fire. The event was finalized by an indoor/outdoor carpet ride (we couldn’t get our hands on any hay!). I enjoyed myself until my conscience took over. Maybe next year I can take my stand against Halloween more effectively!