Homeschooling Chronicles - Halloween

Halloween has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds since I was a child. The decorations and costumes appear earlier and earlier in stores each year. This year, I noticed fall scarecrows in August! As the temperatures start to cool, it gets my mind turning to the trifecta of holidays that are coming up - Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza. Of the three, Halloween is one of the most controversial.

Many people can make a long list describing how they feel about Halloween, listing both the positive and negative. Many schools now have fall celebrations, and do not even mention the word Halloween. Even in the homeschooling community, you have to be careful when you mention Halloween or trick-or-treating. You may encounter someone who has a negative opinion about the subject. 

But not me! I love Halloween! The holiday brings attention to the joy of jumping into a pile of leaves, the beauty of changing colors and the smell of fall lingering in the air. The decorations in the house transform the usual décor into a festive and different light. The bubbling pot of chili feeds and warms the bellies of ghosts, scarecrows or superheroes after a chilly night out.

Unfortunately, Halloween isn’t the only holiday that has fallen into disfavor. There are many other special days in the calendar year that have either been forgotten or pushed aside. A general disdain or fear has developed regarding the celebration of almost any special event. When I was younger, the idea of not participating in any holiday would have been unthinkable. Yet schools and families are becoming victim to political correctness.

The intention of most holidays is not decorating, eating treats or promoting a political agenda, rather it is the idea of enjoying and honoring something with others. It is taking time out of a school day and celebrating together. Celebrations are the best way to create memories and traditions. Most importantly, we need to remember that childhood is brief, but the memories last forever. It is what we rejoice in with  family and friends that can last a lifetime.