Every October, families around the world are surrounded by spooky decorations, haunted houses, and trick-or-treat candy aisles. But what if your family is looking for something different — something that celebrates light instead of darkness, joy instead of fear, and God’s blessings instead of Halloween’s themes? Let me introduce you to our family’s Christian Halloween Alternative: Blessings Day!
What Is Blessings Day?
Blessings Day is a Christ-centered celebration that offers a fun, meaningful, and faith-filled alternative to Halloween. We focus on gratitude, joy, and celebrating the many blessings God has poured into our lives! Instead of costumes and trick-or-treating, our family spends the day doing fun, light-hearted activities together — thanking God for His goodness and sharing His light with others.
This is something very near and dear to my heart, as it is a tradition that my mother started for us kids when we were younger! And I was so grateful that she did. We SO looked forward to this day. Now I get to look forward to doing it every year with my own kids. It’s a peaceful, joy-filled alternative that helps children understand that we don’t need fear, darkness, or spooky imagery to have fun — we can celebrate with light, love, and laughter!
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Why We Choose Not to Celebrate Halloween
Many Christian families choose to step away from Halloween because of its deep associations with darkness, fear, and spiritual themes that don’t align with God’s Word. We’ve done a lot of listening over the years to ex-witch’s and former satanists explaining the details of what actually goes on, on October 31. Our eyes have been opened to the truth of this day and what it really entails, and we want NO PART of it!
As the Bible reminds us: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” — Ephesians 5:8
Blessings Day provides a way to honor that verse — to focus on the light of Christ and remind our children that we are called to shine brightly in a world that often celebrates the opposite.
Reasons families will love this Blessings Day alternative include:
- The ability to avoid scary imagery or costumes that make children uneasy as much as possible
- Striving to keep Christ at the center of their celebrations
- Helping to foster a peaceful and positive home atmosphere
- Teaching gratitude, kindness, and the joy of God’s blessings
What Are We Teaching Our Kids By Celebrating Halloween?
As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world! Our celebrations should not look like everyone else’s. If we participate in Halloween events such as trick-or-treating or other events, there is nothing different about us! We don’t want to set a foundation that it is ok to celebrate the way the world does.
If we participate in Halloween, we are teaching our children to cave to the cravings of this world and the short-term pleasure from a night of dressing up and getting candy. The world can be very tempting, and unfortunately -full of much sin as well. Not to mention, there will come a time when your kids won’t want to dress up in those cute little costumes anymore and may want to dress in scary or inappropriate ones as they get older! Most adult costumes fall into these two categories: “scary” or “inappropriate”… am I right?! Not to mention, they will probably eventually want to start attending Halloween parties, haunted houses, etc!
Supporting Scriptures
“Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” -1 John 2:15-17
“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doth evil hath not seen God.” -3 John 1:11
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able tot test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2
So What About Costumes and Dressing Up?
I know that many (if not most) people just see dressing up on Halloween as something harmless and fun, whereas others (this includes our family) see how closely it ties in with paganism and originating from evil roots. Dressing up and changing our identity is a serious matter – it’s all about deception. I highly encourage you to check out these excellent video resources and to do your own research on the topic. (In my e-Book I share other video recommendations as well.)
Our desire is to honor God on this day, as with every other day. What I will let my children do, as I have done in years past, is to let them dress up in their princess dresses from their dress-up clothes, and we have made little crowns for them to wear to help illustrate and seal it into their minds that they are God’s royal sons and daughters. This is not changing their identity or pretending to be someone else- rather the goal is reiterating to them the truth of their true identity! Treasured, beloved sons and daughters of the Most High King! (In my E-book I include printable “Child of the King” crowns!) As with all of this, it’s a matter of your personal convictions. Like I mentioned earlier-(as with all things) I encourage you to do your own research, seek the Lord and to pray about these things.
What About Decorating Pumpkins?
I must say that I personally have no problem with my children painting or decorating pumpkins. I see it as if they were just painting a rock or some other blank template! However, carving a jack-o-lantern or something of that nature is different and not something we would do. Again, because of its evil origins. But I think painting a pumpkin is a nice seasonal thing to do and celebrates harvest-time and abundance. There are actually some really beautiful ideas nowadays for decorating pumpkins, such as gluing dried flowers on them. Check out that project here! I think these are so lovely and celebratory of the autumn season!
What Is a “Blessing Bag”?
One of the most loved parts of our Blessings Day is the Blessing Bag!
Think of it like an Easter basket — but for fall! Each child receives a small bag or basket filled with a few high-quality treats or surprises that celebrate God’s goodness. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive — just thoughtful and fun!
Blessing Bag ideas include:
- A new storybook or devotional
- Favorite snacks or candies
- Small craft kits or puzzles
- Cozy socks, glow sticks, or a flashlight
- A Bible verse card or “Thankful Journal”
- A handwritten note from mom or dad about how the child is a blessing
- Check out more meaningful gift ideas HERE!
Blessings Day Activities & Games
Blessings Day is all about connection, laughter, and faith-filled fun. Here are some activity ideas your family will love:
Blessings Bag Scavenger Hunt
Hide Scripture clues around your home that lead to a final surprise — the Blessing Bag!
Each clue can include a short Bible verse about light, joy, or gratitude. (Scavenger hunt included in my e-Book)!
“Count Your Blessings” Craft
Give each child a paper leaf and have them write or draw something they’re thankful for.
Hang them on a “Blessing Tree” made from branches in a vase.
In my Blessings Day e-Book, I suggest lots of activity and game ideas for younger children!
Have a Light Party!
Replace the darkness of Halloween night with a Light Party!
Turn up some upbeat Christian music, hand out glow sticks, and have a fun dance party celebrating the light of Jesus!
Worship & Bible Reading Time
Gather the family and read verses about light — John 8:12, Matthew 5:14–16, and Ephesians 5:8 are perfect choices.
Sing worship songs together or play praise music while you make crafts. Spend some time in prayer for your family, neighbors and friends.
Shine Your Light Challenge
Encourage kids to share God’s light by doing something kind for someone else — baking cookies for a neighbor, writing an encouraging note, or donating to a local ministry. One fun option would be to turn the night into a packing party for Operation Christmas Child! I include lots of idea and a printable “My Light Pledge” card in my e-Book where kids are encouraged to write down 3 ways they will shine their light in the coming week.
Blessings Day Guidebook
Check out my e-Book sharing all of our family’s favorite Blessings Day activities! This 30-page digital guidebook is filled with everything you need to create a meaningful family celebration:
📖 Scriptures & Family Devotional
🎨 Crafts & Games (includes printable “Child of the King” crown!)
🎶 Playlist Suggestions & Teachable Video Links for Kids & Parents!
🌾 Harvest Blessings Scavenger Hunt + Coloring Pages (featuring “Happy Blessings Day” “Shine Brightly for Jesus” and “Child of the King” text)
🎁 “Blessings Bag” & Light Party Ideas
🦊 Woodland Scripture Cards & Printable Decor
💛 Start a new family tradition that shines His light!
📘 Click HERE to get your printable Blessings Day Guidebook (e-Book) — only $10!
For instructions on how to make the above fall leaf lantern, click here!
Blessings Day Food & Treat Ideas
Family-friendly Blessings Day treats:
- “Shine Cupcakes” topped with gold sprinkles
- Popcorn bags with Bible verse tags
- A D-I-Y Hot cocoa bar with marshmallows and caramel drizzle
- Caramel Apples
- D-I-Y Ice Cream Sundae Party
- Seasonal Charcuterie Board
- A Special Breakfast of Cinnamon Buns, Cider donuts or something else festive
Blessings Day Decor Ideas
Set the tone with light-filled, cozy decor that feels joyful and peaceful — not spooky.
- Use warm white string lights and candles (battery-operated for kids)
- Display verses about light and thankfulness around the room
- Paint pumpkins with words like “JOY,” “HOPE,” and “LOVE”
- Create a “Wall of Blessings” where everyone can write what they’re grateful for
- Add gold, white, and soft fall tones instead of black and orange
Blessings Day is more than just a Halloween alternative — it’s a celebration of God’s light and love!
It’s a night to focus on joy, family, gratitude, and the truth that Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). As your home fills with laughter and light, I think you’ll clearly see that you’re not missing out on Halloween — you’re creating something far more meaningful.
Let’s shine bright together, celebrate all our blessings, and teach our families that God’s light is always better than the world’s darkness! Join the Blessings Day movement!
Please help spread the word, share with your family and friends. For lots more inspiration including fun Blessings Day printables for kids, check out my Blessings Day Halloween Alternative E-book!
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