I remember going trick or treating one time when I was little. My family tried to stay away from the ghoulish side of Halloween, and by doing that, we skipped dressing-up altogether. So this year, since Oliver is old enough to notice other kids celebrating big, we had a decision to make.
The origin of Halloween is unclear. Some say it's an evil celebration dating back to the Druids and Celts in the fifth century, B. C. Other studies link it to a Christian/Catholic fete. The research that I did (not deep, by any means), usually began with, "Legend says..." Conclusion? There is no evidence to back anything up. We've concluded on our own that it isn't condoning the evil of that surrounds the holiday by dressing our kids up and taking them out and about. There's fun to be had in dress-up. Some of my fondest childhood memories were made wearing Mom's old bridesmaid dresses playing make-believe with my sister and cousins. Imagination is lost on most children in this age of videos and video games. God has designed us to learn and grow as we imagine who we could be or how we could accomplish the seemingly impossible. Does that correlation make sense?
That being said, happy Halloween from the Toftnesses!
The origin of Halloween is unclear. Some say it's an evil celebration dating back to the Druids and Celts in the fifth century, B. C. Other studies link it to a Christian/Catholic fete. The research that I did (not deep, by any means), usually began with, "Legend says..." Conclusion? There is no evidence to back anything up. We've concluded on our own that it isn't condoning the evil of that surrounds the holiday by dressing our kids up and taking them out and about. There's fun to be had in dress-up. Some of my fondest childhood memories were made wearing Mom's old bridesmaid dresses playing make-believe with my sister and cousins. Imagination is lost on most children in this age of videos and video games. God has designed us to learn and grow as we imagine who we could be or how we could accomplish the seemingly impossible. Does that correlation make sense?
That being said, happy Halloween from the Toftnesses!
8 comments:
Thanks Liz! You summed it up quite nicely and we have had the same struggles and decision making in our house. But like you said with imagination reaching extinction in the world of make believe we decided that a couple of little pumpkin's aren't going to hurt anything and we are going too. Happy Halloween Toftnesses....from Schefers
p.s.--I forgot to add that is a very cute pea in a pod and a very handsome stinky skunk. Enjoy and be safe!
good call Toftness family. the future lil Gaalswyk kids will benefit from this post!
Awww, thanks Auntie Anna. Can't wait for those nieces and nephews!;)
Maggie, I would love to see pictures of your lil pumpkins! You should put pictures up on the blog.
I have been meaning to put some photos on the blog now all summer but haven't gotten around to it. I keep thinking one day life will slow down and I will get them on there then but that just isn't happening so I will try and get them posted soon. Maggie
love it, liz. also love your sweet pea and stinky skunk!
The kids look great! Hope they had fun dressing up!
I must say...that is the cutest lil' pea pod I have ever seen! The stinky skunk looks like a cute little rascal.. and a great big brudder! Thanks for taking the time to update all of us on your life (and thanks to your mom too! :) )
I hope you and your family are well and great! AprilS
Post a Comment