During Halloween, which is sometimes referred to as "Spooky Season," you may hear someone say, “Have a Spooky Halloween. It seems like a harmless phrase meant to convey the fun of the season, but is there a deeper meaning, and should Christians use this phrase?
Origin of the Phrase “Have a Spooky Halloween”
The phrase “Have a Spooky Halloween” really just grew out of the idea of saying “Have a Good Halloween.” Since the holiday is all about ghosts, costumes, and a little bit of creepiness, “spooky” became the fun word people use instead of “good.”
The word spooky comes from spooks, an old Dutch word for ghosts. At one time, that might have sounded more serious, but over the years, the meaning has softened. Today, when we call something spooky, we’re usually talking about pumpkins, silly ghost decorations, or playful costumes—not something dark or terrifying.
Still, as Christians, we want to be careful. While the phrase itself is harmless, God warns us not to get caught up in anything that glorifies the occult or makes light of evil (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Ephesians 5:11). We can enjoy the fun side of Halloween—like candy, costumes, and time with family—without drifting into things that pull our attention away from Him.
So when someone says, “Have a Spooky Halloween,” it’s really just part of the culture. For us as believers, it’s a chance to enjoy the lighter side of the season while keeping Christ at the center.
Can Christians Celebrate Halloween?
The question of whether Christians can celebrate Halloween is up for debate among many individuals. Ultimately, we all have freedom in Christ, yet we should not use our freedom as a cover-up for evil (Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:16).
Halloween can be a fun holiday, but as Christians, we should not allow it to become super scary or dark. These types of Halloween activities are not enjoyable for most individuals, especially children.
When we tell someone to “Have a Spooky Halloween,” we are not telling them that we hope they have the scariest Halloween known to man. Rather, we are telling them that we hope they have a good Halloween, one that is enjoyable.
“Having a Spooky Halloween” is normally aimed at children or those who don’t enjoy a scary Halloween. My family and I adhere to a more lighthearted form of Halloween rather than a scary holiday.
A “Spooky Halloween” would include aspects such as cute pumpkin carvings, baking Halloween-themed cookies, or going trick-or-treating for children.
I have many friends who enjoy the scarier side of Halloween, and that is perfectly fine for them, as it is within their Christian freedom to celebrate as they wish. It all comes down to personal convictions and personal choice.
For a period of time, after my mother died, my family and I never celebrated Halloween. My mom passed about two weeks before Halloween; therefore, my family and I associate the month of October more with the anniversary of my mom’s death instead of the holiday Halloween. We did not celebrate Halloween again until recently.
As individuals, it is fine to celebrate Halloween as long as you’re not getting involved with the occult or dark practices. God warns us against being involved in divination and anything involved with the occult.
God tells us directly, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).
Even though these practices listed in Deuteronomy 18:10-11 are accepted by society, especially during the season of Halloween, we should not endorse these practices, nor should we be involved with them.
Rather, we must stand against these practices and help others turn away from them. Witches are a common theme for Halloween, yet we should not be involved in actual witchcraft. Dressing up as a witch can be harmless as long as you are not participating in the occult.
Can Christians Wish Others a Spooky Halloween?
As Christians, we tend to be up in arms over Halloween. Simply saying “Have a Spooky Halloween” can cause many Christians to become judgmental of those who say this phrase. This phrase in and of itself is not wrong, nor is it sinful.
Simply wishing someone to “Have a Spooky Halloween” is no reason to shun someone or look down upon them. Christians should not take the extremist view that all things associated with Halloween are evil because it is not true.
“Having a Spooky Halloween” is associated with lighthearted aspects of Halloween that are not involved with the occult. Drawing, coloring, or doing crafts for Halloween is not “pagan,” nor is it wrong.
Whether you choose to “Have a Spooky Halloween” yourself is up to you. Every single person is given freedom in Christ to freely make this decision on their own. If you feel convicted to not be involved with anything related to Halloween, then don’t.
However, if you feel you can celebrate a Spooky Halloween in good conscience, you may do so. We should not condemn those who take an opposing view of ourselves, as we all have freedom in Christ.
Rather, we should respect each other’s opinions when it comes to various holidays, including Halloween.
This is not to say it is alright for Christians to be involved in occultist activities because, as previously mentioned, these are forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). There is a difference between dressing up for Halloween and actually becoming involved in the occult.
Children dress up like witches for Halloween, and it is fine, yet if a person is actively involved in Wicca, then it is not right. As Christians, we have to use our own discernment when it comes to these views and decisions.
The Lord has given us each the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us to help, guide, and instruct us. If you are unsure whether you can participate in having a “Spooky Halloween,” go to God in prayer, read His Word, and listen to Him.
Many activities involved with a “Spooky Halloween” are simply fun activities related to fall, such as going to a pumpkin patch, carving a pumpkin, hosting or attending a harvest party, or handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, which can even be opportunities to be a witness for Christ to our neighbors and community.
Why Does This Matter?
As Christians, we always need to follow the light, Jesus Christ. At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves if the Lord Himself would approve of our activities.
In your own heart and through speaking with God, you will be able to discern if you would like to celebrate Halloween or not.
Whether you feel you can or not, do not discriminate against those who take the opposite view as yourself. Even if you are not into Halloween, you can still wish others a Spooky Halloween.
For further reading:
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Why Do We Celebrate Fear at Halloween?
What Is the History of Halloween?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Siarhei Kalesnikau
