The only thing I disagreed with, Marcia, was the statement that there is no evidence that Halloween night is a night of Satanic rituals. I believe there is much evidence for this. Otherwise, others may do as they like, but I prefer to abstain altogether except to make it a night to pray for the lost. My children knew it was a "stay-at-home and honor the Lord" night.
Easter? I refuse to call it that, but I do believe we can celebrate the Lord's resurrection. Forget the bunnies and eggs for me.
There is no evidence for Satanic rituals of killing people. I've written on Satanism, been invited to speak on radio programs on it, and have spoken on it in churches for years. I am an acknowledged expert on the occult an I've been involved in it (before I was a believer, of course, though I was not in Satanism). Most Satanists are atheists - do not believe in God or Satan. Satan is a symbol of being their own god.
Those who do believe in a Satan figure do rituals but not rituals of killing people.
Then there are self-styled Satanists - those who call themselves Satanist and just do what they would do anyway but say it's in the name of Satan.
Both Wiccans/witches and Satanists practice rituals on Halloween, but not involving killing anyone (and witches and Satanists have different views and purposes in the rituals. Witches honor earth/nature or a god/goddess while Satanist are self-indulgent).
It's always good for Christians to have their facts straight; otherwise, we can lose our credibility.
I totally agree that those who are uncomfortable acknowledging Halloween in any way should refrain from doing so and not be criticized for it.
In fact, my plea has been for Christians to see Halloween as a day to pray for those in the occult, that they would see the truth and light of Christ.
And, ironically enough, Halloween is my birthday! :laugh: