> I suppose the most weird thing the fact that Americans are so into halloween, really. Actually, now I think about it, the idea of *celebrating* a night when all the evil in the world has free reign is just plain wrong.

That's the key point for some people I know. My church, for example, runs a Family Harvest Celebration on October 31st, similar to what Sosi described. (Our church is not big on advocating the celebration of evil spirits running loose. :-) )

Anyway, I think they go about it in a smart way--they know that young kids may not understand why they don't get to go out and dress up and get candy like everyone else, so the church collects candy to give to them, and encourages the kids to dress up as bible characters and stuff for this party. That way, they don't feel left out, but the emphasis is on God, and not evil spirits and such. I think it's kind of a cool idea, and well thought out, and this year, I'm going to get to be a part of it--I'm taking a Leadership Training course at my church on Wednesday nights, and we have already been told that in two weeks, we will be helping out with the Harvest Celebration as part of our class. I am a little nervous about that, but I'm hoping that things will go well and I won't frighten TOO many children. :-)

> winter"Oohh... fireworks!"mute

Don "Not going to dress up, myself--the only costume I have is Darth Vader, and he is neither Biblical nor harvest-related. :-)" Monkey