Reformation Day Activities - Loads of ideas, projects & why some Christians don't celebrate Halloween

Our family does not take part in Halloween celebrations for many reasons (our views summed up here), but we do take part in Reformation Day, which is celebrated on October 31st. Our family plans for and looks forward to this day. If you, too, would like to learn more about this church holiday, below are some websites that will help you plan your own Reformation Day activities with your children. If you, too, choose not to celebrate Halloween and would like to explain to your children WHY you do this, here are 2 great books. Halloween - Is It For Real? and Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween

Philippians 4:8 ~ Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Matthew 5:14-16 ~ You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Websites with More Info

Reformation Day A history of Reformation Day
Print and Color a Picture of Martin Luther
Reformation Day Word Search Find the Reformers in the puzzle
Reformation Day Fair Activities A number of interesting ideas here for celebrating Reformation Day.
Reformation Skit (best for older students, probably grades 5 - 12)
A Unit Study on the Reformation This is from Core Knowledge and is for grade 5
Questions and Answers about Reformation Day
A Mighty Fortress is Our God The words and music are here
Reformation Day This is from sundayschoollessons.com
Luther's 95 Theses
The Life of Martin Luther
John Calvin
Reformation Day October 31st or December 10? An interesting article

Books

Book: Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World by Paul L. Maier
Book: The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
Book: Mommy, Why Don't We Celebrate Halloween? by Linda Hacon Winwood

Devotional/Sermon/Teaching Ideas

Article: Halloween in Light of the Scriptures
Article: What Does the Bible Say About. . .?
Article: When Good People Disagree - uses Halloween as a case study in conflict
Ideas for Halloween Outreach (suggested only for teens, as the scary costumes can really frighten small children or "create appetites" for Halloween that are not biblical)
Article: Pumpkin Evangelism
Book: The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs (for children)
Leaflet: Halloween Leaflet - Light-Up-the-Night
Tracts: Halloween Tracts
Tracts: Chick Tracts: Turn Halloween Into a Night of Evangelism (ideas could be used with their tracts or other tracts)

History of Halloween

Article: A Christian Perspective on the Holiday: History Page
Article: Christians and Halloween: The Pagan Origin of Halloween
Article: The History of Halloween -- It's Probably Not What You Think

Satanism & Halloween

Article: The Dark Side of Halloween
Article: The Occult Connection
Cassette: Halloween: Invitation to the Occult? - Audiobook on Cassette by Chuck Missler

Christians Celebrating Halloween

Article: Christians and Halloween
Article: Halloween for Christians?
Article: Should Christians participate in the Halloween holiday?
Article: Happy Halloween? Is there any good reason for a Christian to celebrate it?
Article: A Look at Halloween
Article: Can Halloween Be an Entirely Innocent Practice?
Article: Saints, Symbols and Celebrations: A New Perspective on Halloween
Book: Halloween, Is It for Real? by Harold Myra

HERE are photos of how our family celebrates Reformation Day! Enjoy!