Halloween in Valencia

Our participation in Halloween began many years ago when we first arrived in California to help with a church plant in Bakersfield.  We had been trying to get to know our neighbors all around us, but it seemed to be a difficult thing.  Halloween came around and even before it got dark, all our neighbors were sitting outside in lawn chairs with bowls of candy.  That was when we realized what we needed to do.

I understand that Halloween is quite controversial.  I have friends who allow their kids to go trick or treating, and I have friends adamantly against anything about Halloween.  I'm not going to point fingers at either one.  I believe you have to do what the Lord has called you to do.  If the Lord has convicted you about doing one or the other, I am certainly not going to tell you that you are wrong.  I can tell you what the Lord called us to do!

Spain doesn't officially celebrate Halloween; but here in Valencia, all of our neighbors were curious about it. They decided it would be fun to dress up and allow the kids to go door to door asking for candy. It was the first time they had done anything like it.  It was interesting how the whole process developed.  We were not instrumental in starting the idea of trick or treating... but once they all decided to do it, we knew we would be a part of it, simply to have to have the opportunity to share our faith! Most of what they knew about Halloween was what they'd seen on TV or the movies, so it gave us a great opportunity to share what WE celebrate during this time of the year... not the scary, spooky things of Halloween, but we focused on talking about the harvest and giving thanks for what the Lord has provided.  (Although it is a strange concept to them, because with the Mediterranean climate, they harvest all year round here... it's not just one season!)

When we finally all met outside with the kids all dressed up, they were surprised at our kids' costumes and asked us,  "So... you don't have to dress up as witches and goblins?"  We laughed together many times throughout the evening... many had decided to "decorate" for Halloween, and one of our friends commented "Ohhhhh.... next year we will decorate OUTSIDE."  They had "decorated" but it was all inside, so no one really got to see it.  Her realization was cute.  Wes went around with all the kids, and I stayed at home to greet those who came to our door. 

We didn't want to pass up the opportunity to share Christ in some way, so we had gone in search of something fun but Christ-centered to share with the kids.  It's not so hard to do in the States, but nearly impossible to do here in Spain!  I had planned on making something to give out to the kids; but as it turned out, we went to the Christian book store (one of the few in all of Spain!), and we found the perfect thing!  We passed out little coloring books that told a story based on a verse in the Bible... some were about God having a special plan for each one of us; some were about being obedient to our parents; some were about sharing with others, etc.  The kids loved them, and we actually had kids come by and ask if we were the house giving out the coloring books!

It was a fun; and at the end of the night, we all gathered at our house for cupcakes! (you can hardly see them in the picture, but they're on the plate that I'm holding! haha... ) We were thankful for the opportunity to share our faith in a couple different conversations throughout the evening.  Maybe next year, we need to have a team come and host a Fall Festival on the street!! ... any takers?? :)