Creative Halloween Marketing: Is Attaching Business Cards to Candy Bags Tacky?

[adampchef]

I just recieved the following tip for marketing at Halloween...

-Put candy in bags and attach a business card, and hand out to tricker-treaters.
put this on the back of the card, "Here are some treats for your tummy, and give this card to your Mummy"

Okay, my question is this "tacky"?

the thinking is that mom and da go through all the candy and will see the card.

Any thoughts on this??

Thanks!
Adam

 

[DebbieSAChef]

I like itI think that's a great idea.

I always include a little sheet in the goody bags that asks the kids to answer some bible questions and bring it back to get a cool surprise. Usually homemade cookies, or some yummy treat.

I don't see why you couldn't do that. Maybe I will offer kid's cooking classes for those interested on a Saturday or something. Thanks for getting my brain thinking about this.

Debbie

 

[LibrarianChef]

Hmmm, cute little rhyme. Maybe they wouldn't think it tacky if you had some special Halloween special written in on the back--like 10% off a PC cookbook for the upcoming fall cooking or something like that.

Also, I'd just make sure that you give out some pretty special "memorable" candy. It's amazing how much the kids talk about the best houses to go to. Us parents become aware of the generosity, too!

 

[lkprescott]

I like it. I only wish we actually had trick or treaters in this area! Nearly all our neighbors put out their porch lights so it's rare that anyone stops at our house. BTW, I don't think it's tacky. One year a MK mom sent in samples of lotion to school in the kids' goodie bags for Christmas... your idea is no more tacky that that, if you ask me.

 

[ChefJWarren]

This brings up a question for me: I'm taking my daughter trick or treating. We will not actually be handing out candy. I want to make something up and hand out to moms (or dads) as we go door to door. Would you be offended or feel it is tacky if someone solicits as they are trick or treating??

 

[chefsteph07]

My question is...has this been successful for anyone who's tried it?

 

[adampchef]

Thank you all so much! I just wanted to get some feedback, I really like the idea of a "Special Offer"; I may add a special offer for hosting a show!

 

[adampchef]

How does this sound for a special:
Redeem for a $5 credit on an order or take $10 off the Host Special when you host a Cooking Show! Call or e-mail me today!

 

[jrstephens]

... your idea is no more tacky that that, if you ask me.

That cracked me up! So, do you think tacky or not! HA!

 

[peichef]

I'm giving out Holiday Mini Cats & a recipe card inside a bag with a note attached. On the note is my name, PWS & other contact info, along with a plug for booking shows & indiv. orders. I have offered 10% their orders unitl Nov. 19th.
I think I'll put the kids' candy inside each bag & the moms (& dads) can decide if it is for the parents or the kids. I wanted to do the whole "be a smartie book a party" line -- but it was already getting expensive & I couldn't find enough smarties!

 

[jrstephens]

I would do something if we were going to be home. We are having a Fall Festival at our church. I do not feel comfortable marketing PC from the church.

 

[easytoprepare]

Awhile ago I found a really neat document on here from another consultant that I am using. If you go under "Files" then in the Filter/Sort go to "documents" and then in Search type "Trick" It's official name is Halloween Trick or Treat. I am putting that in a bag with some candy, and it'll cost me a couple of bucks, but it can bring in a few that's all good, and if anything it gets my name out there! Thatnx to the person who posted the document!

 

[Cassie1037]

I attached smarties to the file named- To all the Mummies. They look very cute. I did all black print on orange cardstock. I will be dropping off a bowl of cards with candies at my dads, and I will be handing them out at my house. (Both houses are different areas of town) I hope to get my name out!

 

[beepampered]

My husband said I could not give out candy and it was absolutely too tacky. So, despite the fact that I think it's a great idea, I will not be doing anything special for Halloween....BEE

 

[cathyskitchen]

My husband said I could not give out candy and it was absolutely too tacky. So, despite the fact that I think it's a great idea, I will not be doing anything special for Halloween....BEE

I also think it's tacky to hand out your business card/info. on Halloween, or take things door-to-door and try to solicit on a fun holiday for the kids. It ruins the fun of the day (BTW, it's not a "Devil worship" day, either - don't get me up on that soap box!). The only person I expect to be asking me for money at my door is the kid with the UNICEF box!!

 

[riggs62]

All for it!I'm taking my little guy to the mall in the stroller with a 10% coupon for orders with candy attached. I'll be wearing my apron and a chef's hat. I'll be giving little gifts to all the mommies pushing strollers and chasing kids like me. Mom's deserve treats too!! If I were at the mall with the kids trick or treating, I wouldn't be offended if a MK lady gave me a sample or coupon. I love a deal! I'm all over it.
Good luck tomorrow everyone!

 

[lkprescott]

That cracked me up! So, do you think tacky or not! HA!

It depends on the tack. LOL... lawn gnomes good.. pink flamingos :yuck:

 

[lkprescott]

I also think it's tacky to hand out your business card/info. on Halloween, or take things door-to-door and try to solicit on a fun holiday for the kids. It ruins the fun of the day (BTW, it's not a "Devil worship" day, either - don't get me up on that soap box!). The only person I expect to be asking me for money at my door is the kid with the UNICEF box!!

I second the BTW part. There's a rich and interesting history and when one looks at how American it is... it truly is thanks to the country's roots of immigration. The History Channel - Home Page has a lot of good info.

Oh also some folks might be around collecting used glasses for http://www.sightnight.org/ depending on the area. We did unicef one year through the UU church we used to go to but we ended up filling it mostly at home as that year we only went to a couple houses (good houses - full sized candy bar houses LOL) and that didn't fill two kids' worth of boxes.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I second the BTW part. There's a rich and interesting history and when one looks at how American it is... it truly is thanks to the country's roots of immigration. The History Channel - Home Page has a lot of good info.

Oh also some folks might be around collecting used glasses for http://www.sightnight.org/ depending on the area. We did unicef one year through the UU church we used to go to but we ended up filling it mostly at home as that year we only went to a couple houses (good houses - full sized candy bar houses LOL) and that didn't fill two kids' worth of boxes.

That is funny! I can actually hear kids passing on the info about those houses to other kids! Brings back some great "kid" memories. My son is only 3, so we are just beginning those memories......

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Disagree

I second the BTW part. There's a rich and interesting history and when one looks at how American it is... it truly is thanks to the country's roots of immigration. The History Channel - Home Page has a lot of good info.

Oh also some folks might be around collecting used glasses for http://www.sightnight.org/ depending on the area. We did unicef one year through the UU church we used to go to but we ended up filling it mostly at home as that year we only went to a couple houses (good houses - full sized candy bar houses LOL) and that didn't fill two kids' worth of boxes.

Sorry I have to disagree with that BTW comment. My family believes it is a day of evil and not something our kids should participate in. So we don't. We pass out bible tracts and candy and try to get to know our neighbors. I don't think we as Christians should shut off our lights and ignore all those lost souls who come by the house. We have kids from the neighborhood over to play all the time. They know around Halloween I include a list of 10 fill in the blanks from bible verses that when they fill it out, can come back and get a surprise from me. I really enjoy doing this!

Debbie

 

[LibrarianChef]

I just wanted to share that we used to not celebrate Halloween. But we will from this year forward--we just won't celebrate it in the way that many do. We're trying to rediscover the way early Christians celebrated it which changes our focus entirely. We read http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1589971558/ref=cm_cr_pr_helpful/102-6663202-5564160 and re-discovered the roots of Halloween (All Saints' Evening). It was nice to be reminded that there's nothing inherently evil about this date. What most people think of as evil was actually Samhain (the pagan holiday from a Celtic origin that Halloween falls in the middle of).

Until reading this book we didn't understand why so many believers claimed Halloween to be a Christian holiday. We saw the American commercialism all around us glorifying death and thought they were crazy. But the book was liberating and just helped give us a starting point which has carried us on to other areas of research. The book also reminded us that Christmas was created the same way that Halloween was--purposefully put on the same date as another pagan holiday to help change the focus of the season. So if we choose not to celebrate Halloween then to be consistent we would also need to consider not celebrating Christmas. If you're interested in other reviews, click on the book title above.

 

[jrstephens]

So if we choose not to celebrate Halloween then to be consistent we would also need to consider not celebrating Christmas.

hmmmm correct me If I am wrong but there is no Halloween in the Bible and it has nothing to do with Jesus' birth, so, I do not think it can be compared to Christmas.

We celebrate do Halloween but we do it at church with a Fall Festival and no ghost or witches involved, just good clean Christian fun.

 

[pckelly]

Us too Jennifer, I have been taking my son to Fall Festivals, and churchs for their trunk and treats for YEARS!!

 

[dannyzmom]

In an effort to bring this back to a BUSINESS-BUILDING thread....
I am attaching little $5 coupons to each of the candies I am giving out to Trick-or-Treaters tonight. It offers $5 off your next PC order of $25 or more. I am hoping this'll let some people who have not yet met me know that I do PC and may bring me in an order or two...ar hhopefully maybe even a booking!

What are YOU doing to help build your business today?

 

[LibrarianChef]

hmmmm correct me If I am wrong but there is no Halloween in the Bible and it has nothing to do with Jesus' birth

Actually, if you've read about the origins, Halloween had everything to do with Jesus' birth, life, and his death. All Saint's Day (Hallow means Saint) was created by the early church for those who lived their lives patterned after His life and those who were martyrs for Jesus Christ. I guess I'm not sure what you're saying about the Bible, so maybe you could clarify just so that I can better understand. Christmas isn't in the Bible, either, and scholars agree that it certainly was no where near December 25th.

Many Christians who celebrate Halloween utilize the many Biblical stories of followers who gave everything to further the message of Christ--Paul, Stephen, and the like. Both holidays were created by man, not God.

I think a Fall Festival is a wonderful thing to participate in and I wasn't saying anything to the contrary. However, we've spent Halloweens in the past with our door locked and huddled in a back room thinking Halloween was somehow evil. I'm sorry if you took offense at any thing I shared. My comments certainly weren't shared to shun anyone, but I'll re-read them just to be sure they don't come across that way. I guess it was very exciting to begin our research on Halloween and discover so much more historical truth that we never know.

 

[LibrarianChef]

In an effort to bring this back to a BUSINESS-BUILDING thread....
I am attaching little $5 coupons to each of the candies I am giving out to Trick-or-Treaters tonight. It offers $5 off your next PC order of $25 or more. I am hoping this'll let some people who have not yet met me know that I do PC and may bring me in an order or two...ar hhopefully maybe even a booking!

What are YOU doing to help build your business today?

Yes, Carolyn. You're right...back to business. I won't be doing the business cards this year. I thought about it because I'm still very new to the business, but I'm kinda worried about how it might be taken by other home business moms in our neighborhood. There are a TON of moms in our neighborhood and town with small businesses.

 

[dannyzmom]

Yes, Carolyn. You're right...back to business. I won't be doing the business cards this year. I thought about it because I'm still very new to the business, but I'm kinda worried about how it might be taken by other home business moms in our neighborhood. There are a TON of moms in our neighborhood and town with small businesses.

I would imagine it might light a fire under THEM to start advertising their own businesses!! LOL
A few years ago the neighborhood MK lady attached coupons to her candy...THAT'S what got me started doing the same thing!

 

[Tara1021]

it's funny...i was just thinking about making some labels to put on the back of some business cards to drop in the bags with candy...

 

[dannyzmom]

it's funny...i was just thinking about making some labels to put on the back of some business cards to drop in the bags with candy...

Great idea Tara!
I figure for the few cents it costs me to print the thing sup I might as well get them out there -- and what better way than in kids' Halloween candy!

 

[ChefNic]

I've handed out things before and never hear anything back.
I don't think it's tacky...They are coming to MY door...I can give them anything I want...as long as it isn't harmful!
They can throw it away...or it may land in the hands of my next recruit or $1000 show host!
But...i'm not handing out anything tonight...

 

[Geekgirl69]

I only started a month ago so I don't think anybody in my neighborhood really knows I am here. I use the print at home biz cards so I just turned them over before I separated them and printed a little blurb on the back. Hopefully it will get my name out there. I have lots of candy to give out so 1 little card in each candy bag isn't over kill (it's not like I am handing out full size catalogs).

 

[pckelly]

I think it's a great idea!! I live in an apartment complex and kids never come around here, BUT if I lived in a home, I would definitely do something like attaching a coupon to candy. That would be so much fun!!!!

 

[StephsKitchen]

I made up a little thing that I am handing out - info I actually got from here! And if it makes you feel better my kids dropped off their first basket of candy, and the lady down the street the sells jewelry had something in there to give to your mommy or mummy too!

I don't think it's a bad idea because we have to promote ourselves anyway that we can. I hope that we get good results from this!

Stephanie

 

[mrssyvo]

I handed out mini-flyers for my multi-vendor Holiday bazaar next weekend. Along with the candy, of course !!!

 

[smarteez2]

I just handed out....My card with a handful of candy, and trust me nothing gets by these kids now a days!! Probably 1/2 of them watched me and asked about the card. I told them well the treat is for you and the card is for your mommy so make sure to give it to her!! LOL Alot of them got excited and went running back to their mothers with it. So even if they throw it away it's okay at least I am trying something new ) And you never know I could get a couple of leads....hopefully!!

 

[lkprescott]

I just wanted to share that we used to not celebrate Halloween. But we will from this year forward--we just won't celebrate it in the way that many do. We're trying to rediscover the way early Christians celebrated it which changes our focus entirely. We read http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1589971558/ref=cm_cr_pr_helpful/102-6663202-5564160 and re-discovered the roots of Halloween (All Saints' Evening). It was nice to be reminded that there's nothing inherently evil about this date. What most people think of as evil was actually Samhain (the pagan holiday from a Celtic origin that Halloween falls in the middle of).

Until reading this book we didn't understand why so many believers claimed Halloween to be a Christian holiday. We saw the American commercialism all around us glorifying death and thought they were crazy. But the book was liberating and just helped give us a starting point which has carried us on to other areas of research. The book also reminded us that Christmas was created the same way that Halloween was--purposefully put on the same date as another pagan holiday to help change the focus of the season. So if we choose not to celebrate Halloween then to be consistent we would also need to consider not celebrating Christmas. If you're interested in other reviews, click on the book title above.

Good post... wanted to interject too that Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain) is celebrated in any number of ways today too but for our family it's a time of honoring and celebrating our ancestors, for without them, we feel, we wouldn't be here. And it's far from evil... since Samhain means "summer's end" it's the last of three harvest holidays... which is why harvest and fall festivals are perfect this time of year. Others consider this the time of the Celtic New Year too...

 

[LibrarianChef]

Good post... wanted to interject too that Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain) is celebrated in any number of ways today too but for our family it's a time of honoring and celebrating our ancestors, for without them, we feel, we wouldn't be here. And it's far from evil... since Samhain means "summer's end" it's the last of three harvest holidays... which is why harvest and fall festivals are perfect this time of year. Others consider this the time of the Celtic New Year too...

Right on, some practices of the original Samhain are truly innocent and did appear to be initially about honoring ancestors. But some of the practices appeared, to me, quite evil (I want to be clear that whether or not those practices were originally part of Samhain, I couldn't be sure--there's a broken and muddied history there that only leaves me guessing). As with any holiday, it really boils down to what YOU do this time of year to honor whomever. Both holidays (Samhain and Halloween) have become a melting pot over time with a variety of cultural traditions thrown in there. That, along with icky American commercialization and horror films, really has hurt some of the original intentions.

I would imagine it might light a fire under THEM to start advertising their own businesses!! LOL
A few years ago the neighborhood MK lady attached coupons to her candy...THAT'S what got me started doing the same thing!

LOL True, true! It probably would. I have to say, though, that it's hard being in a smaller town after all of our years in the big city. Everyone I meet owns their own business just to make ends meet (selling vitamins, melaleuca, jewelry, window coverings, candles, home decorating, Simply Tasteful, etc.). To keep the peace, it sometimes feels like it's easier for me to just be the daytime stay-at-home-mommy and the nighttime town librarian. Helping people find reliable research sources or an engaging book helps me be everyone's best friend. :love: Luckily, the gals who know that I sell PC on the side are coming to me lately for lots of holiday parties. Gotta love that!

So...there's always next Halloween, right?

 

[cathyskitchen]

Good post... wanted to interject too that Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain) is celebrated in any number of ways today too but for our family it's a time of honoring and celebrating our ancestors, for without them, we feel, we wouldn't be here. And it's far from evil... since Samhain means "summer's end" it's the last of three harvest holidays... which is why harvest and fall festivals are perfect this time of year. Others consider this the time of the Celtic New Year too...

Ahh - so refreshing to see other history buffs on here who have researched the origins of Halloween and know that it is not based on evil! What a relief! Thanks!! I've been educating a lot of my co-workers this week, too, esp. the ones who's kids weren't allowed to wear costumes today or have a Halloween parade all b/c some people think it's a holiday that worships the devil! UGH!

Oh, and back to the original post - I think the person who said she was going to the mall to hand things out had a great idea, since you're at a MALL where people expect to see people soliciting them to buy stuff. Doing it while trick-or-treating is crossing the line, IMO.

 

[Gina M]

I went trick or treating with my kids this afternoon - wearing a PC sweatshirt and jacket - one of the ladies up the street at her house noticed my jacket and asked if I was a consultant - I said yes and said would you like a business card? I introduced myself and told her I lived down the street - she said she'd be in contact. I didn't pass out any others because then my husband got home and took over walking around with the kids. I figured she asked me - I didn't bring it up and who knows - maybe I'll get an order out of it!

 

[LibrarianChef]

Good post... wanted to interject too that Samhain (pronounced Sow-wain) is celebrated in any number of ways today too but for our family it's a time of honoring and celebrating our ancestors, for without them, we feel, we wouldn't be here. And it's far from evil... since Samhain means "summer's end" it's the last of three harvest holidays... which is why harvest and fall festivals are perfect this time of year. Others consider this the time of the Celtic New Year too...

Right on, some practices of the original Samhain are truly innocent and did appear to be initially about honoring ancestors. What I wanted to make clear is that there was a distinction between Samhain and Halloween. They were two totally different holidays. And while some practices of Samhain were innocent, some of the practices appeared quite evil to early Christian leaders, which is why, from what we understand, they implemented Halloween (I want to be clear that whether or not those practices were originally part of Samhain, I couldn't be sure--there's a broken and muddied history there that only leaves me guessing). As with any holiday, it really boils down to what YOU do this time of year to honor whomever. Both holidays (Samhain and Halloween) have become a melting pot over time with a variety of cultural traditions thrown in there. That, along with icky American commercialization and horror films, really has hurt some of the original intentions.

I would imagine it might light a fire under THEM to start advertising their own businesses!! LOL
A few years ago the neighborhood MK lady attached coupons to her candy...THAT'S what got me started doing the same thing!

LOL True, true! It probably would. I have to say, though, that it's hard being in a smaller town after all of our years in the big city. Everyone I meet owns their own business just to make ends meet (selling vitamins, melaleuca, jewelry, window coverings, candles, home decorating, Simply Tasteful, etc.). To keep the peace, it sometimes feels like it's easier for me to just be the daytime stay-at-home-mommy and the nighttime town librarian. Helping people find reliable research sources or an engaging book helps me be everyone's best friend. :love: Luckily, the gals who know that I sell PC on the side are coming to me lately for lots of holiday parties. Gotta love that!

So...there's always next Halloween, right?

 

[cathyskitchen]

I went trick or treating with my kids this afternoon - wearing a PC sweatshirt and jacket - one of the ladies up the street at her house noticed my jacket and asked if I was a consultant - I said yes and said would you like a business card? I introduced myself and told her I lived down the street - she said she'd be in contact. I didn't pass out any others because then my husband got home and took over walking around with the kids. I figured she asked me - I didn't bring it up and who knows - maybe I'll get an order out of it!

I think that's the best way to advertise your business without being "pushy" - you were just wearing a PC jacket, and that started a conversation. Conversations build relationships and relationships help create great guests, hosts and consultants/downlines. Just handing out coupons doesn't let people get to know the real you - just that you're willing to give them a discount to get their business and that maybe you're even a little desperate for their business. Unfortch, most of those coupons will probably end up in the trash. JMO

 

[lkprescott]

Right on, some practices of the original Samhain are truly innocent and did appear to be initially about honoring ancestors. What I wanted to make clear is that there was a distinction between Samhain and Halloween. They were two totally different holidays. And while some practices of Samhain were innocent, some of the practices appeared quite evil to early Christian leaders, which is why, from what we understand, they implemented Halloween (I want to be clear that whether or not those practices were originally part of Samhain, I couldn't be sure--there's a broken and muddied history there that only leaves me guessing). As with any holiday, it really boils down to what YOU do this time of year to honor whomever. Both holidays (Samhain and Halloween) have become a melting pot over time with a variety of cultural traditions thrown in there. That, along with icky American commercialization and horror films, really has hurt some of the original intentions.



LOL True, true! It probably would. I have to say, though, that it's hard being in a smaller town after all of our years in the big city. Everyone I meet owns their own business just to make ends meet (selling vitamins, melaleuca, jewelry, window coverings, candles, home decorating, Simply Tasteful, etc.). To keep the peace, it sometimes feels like it's easier for me to just be the daytime stay-at-home-mommy and the nighttime town librarian. Helping people find reliable research sources or an engaging book helps me be everyone's best friend. :love: Luckily, the gals who know that I sell PC on the side are coming to me lately for lots of holiday parties. Gotta love that!

So...there's always next Halloween, right?

Indeed! Always good to hear from those who have done their research. Those differences are ones I make sure my kids know too... so they can enjoy the fun commercial part of Halloween without muddying it into the more sacred. Watching part of the special on The History Channel today there was the reminder of the big candy scare back in the 80's and how folks were afraid of razor blades in apples and tainted candy. Turns out the truth was there never were razor blades and the candy was tainted not by strangers but by people those kids knew. Truly sad and despicable. I remember those days... but then we always went to the houses of folks we knew which, back then, was everyone on the road... not hard to do when you live in the woods. LOL

I have to admit I didn't hand anything out at my son's classroom party or otherwise today. No one came trick-or-treating either so this was a non-issue. I think part of me is afraid of being the 'pushy PC lady' which also has me talking myself out of making phone calls too I know there's a huge grey area in between, I just have to find my comfort zone in there somewhere. I've even been hesitant about bringing stuff to my son's bowling league Saturday mornings... I've gotta get me one some PC shirts! I guess deep down I do worry about being tacky.. or being pushy... or something.

 

[Addie4TLC]

I agree, there is nothing wrong with doing the research and making an informed decision. There should also be respect for those that decide to celebrate something or not. Like LibrarianChef explained both Holloween, Christmas and other holidays are man made. Some Christians may think that these celebrations being "traditons of men" are what the bible warns to be careful with. It may not necessarily be because it has anything directly to do with Satan or evil, they just choose not to contaminate their worship. I always ask myself "would Jesus do this?" then based on my relationship with him I make a choice. I also respect everyone's right to follow their conscience, we all have free will make the call.

 

[JAE]

Ahh - so refreshing to see other history buffs on here who have researched the origins of Halloween and know that it is not based on evil! What a relief! Thanks!! I've been educating a lot of my co-workers this week, too, esp. the ones who's kids weren't allowed to wear costumes today or have a Halloween parade all b/c some people think it's a holiday that worships the devil! UGH!

Oh, and back to the original post - I think the person who said she was going to the mall to hand things out had a great idea, since you're at a MALL where people expect to see people soliciting them to buy stuff. Doing it while trick-or-treating is crossing the line, IMO.

My two cents, even though around here trick or treating is over:
I thought about putting my business card in bags with the candy. Forgot. We only had about five small groups of kids and three of the groups already know me. Anyway, I don't think it's tacky or crossing the line.
I do really dislike it when people approach me at the mall. That's just annoying. If I wanted something from someone there, I would ask.

 

[cathyskitchen]

My two cents, even though around here trick or treating is over:
I thought about putting my business card in bags with the candy. Forgot. We only had about five small groups of kids and three of the groups already know me. Anyway, I don't think it's tacky or crossing the line.
I do really dislike it when people approach me at the mall. That's just annoying. If I wanted something from someone there, I would ask.

Oh, yeah, I hate the people who are always trying to get me to put their lotion on my hands!!

The example I was referring to was the one where she said she was giving out little gift bags to moms in the mall with her business info. on them. I don't think that's too pushy. Definitely not like the people who stalk you to get you to do a marketing survey or try on a lavender neck pillow!! YIKES! LOL!

 

[lkprescott]

I agree, there is nothing wrong with doing the research and making an informed decision. There should also be respect for those that decide to celebrate something or not. Like LibrarianChef explained both Holloween, Christmas and other holidays are man made. Some Christians may think that these celebrations being "traditons of men" are what the bible warns to be careful with. It may not necessarily be because it has anything directly to do with Satan or evil, they just choose not to contaminate their worship. I always ask myself "would Jesus do this?" then based on my relationship with him I make a choice. I also respect everyone's right to follow their conscience, we all have free will make the call.

Exactly! My mom's mother wasn't one I admire for much, but I do respect her for how she lived her beliefs. She never allowed anything to do with Halloween in her home.. she also forbade Santa and stockings by the fire, Easter Bunny and baskets... for they were pagan in nature and not of her religious being (she was old-order Mennonite)...

 

[Addie4TLC]

Exactly! My mom's mother wasn't one I admire for much, but I do respect her for how she lived her beliefs. She never allowed anything to do with Halloween in her home.. she also forbade Santa and stockings by the fire, Easter Bunny and baskets... for they were pagan in nature and not of her religious being (she was old-order Mennonite)...

That is very interesting! I think that that is what Jesus referred to when he said not to be a part of the world, joining them in pagan rituals desguised as something else. You can sugar coat and put a nice bow on it but it still has pagan roots and just as Jesus avoided anything to do with the politics and traditions of his time if I am following in his footsteps I should stive to the best of my ability to do the same. Research took the blind fold off and I'm enjoying a clear conscience without having to be scared into avoiding this or that or forbidden, I actually see the logic behind it.

 

[pampchefrhondab]

The very sad thing about society today is many don't even think of God except for the holidays!

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Very sad

The very sad thing about society today is many don't even think of God except for the holidays!

Very sad and very true. Many people only come to church on holidays. But I will take it, a wonderful sister in Christ at my church is excited whenever her husband joins her on Easter at our church. We have been praying for her husband for years, hoping one day he will be saved.

Easter is now about an bunny. Christmas is about Santa. Everything is about something other than Jesus to the world. My family doesn't exclude these holidays all together for the sake of our lost family members. It's a good way to get together with them and try to show them the love of Christ any chance we get. We don't buy the kids hundreds of dollars worth of toys or clothes because they know that there are orphan kids in China we support who are excited about receiving a toothbrush, shoes and a candy on Christmas. Our kids earn what they want and of course we give them gifts but we don't over do it. It's not what Christmas is about. Have you seen the people who shove and push at those after Thanksgiving sales?? It's scary!! Scarier than Halloween in my opinion.

And as far as the Halloween subject goes, here is a link to the info I have in my computer for info on Halloween history that I take very seriously. It has pagan roots that I just don't want to take lightly. But that's our family's choice.

The History of Halloween

I. THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

Our Pilgrim forefathers well knew of Halloween's occultic roots. In fact they banned celebrating Halloween in America. Halloween was not celebrated in this country until 1845. At that time multiplied thousands of Irish emigrants flooded into New York because of the Irish Potato Famine of 1845-46. They brought with them the old Druid holiday of Halloween. Gradually celebrating this day spread throughout the rest of the country.

Now, to understand Halloween better we must go even further back. I found that the original celebration was not called by its present name, Halloween. But, it began long before Christ among the ancient Celtic peoples (Briton, Gauls, Scots, Irish). They observed the end of summer with sacrifices to SAMAN (Shamhain). He was "the lord of death and evil spirits". This marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year.

A NOTE ABOUT SAMAN

Depending on your source material, the Druid lord of death and evil spirits was called Saman, Samana, Shamhain or Samhain. His "holiday" was called "The Vigil Of Saman" or Samhain (pronounced so-wein). You probably have seen a modern day version of SAMAN without even knowing it. This pagan god was shown as a ghostly, skeleton holding a sickle in his hand. He later came to be known as THE GRIM REAPER.

Debbie

 

[lkprescott]

Hrmmm... Halloween History HysteriaThe myth of Samhain: Celtic God of the Dead

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I have to admit I didn't hand anything out at my son's classroom party or otherwise today. No one came trick-or-treating either so this was a non-issue. I think part of me is afraid of being the 'pushy PC lady' which also has me talking myself out of making phone calls too I know there's a huge grey area in between, I just have to find my comfort zone in there somewhere. I've even been hesitant about bringing stuff to my son's bowling league Saturday mornings... I've gotta get me one some PC shirts! I guess deep down I do worry about being tacky.. or being pushy... or something.

I used to worry about being pushy or tacky, or something like that. I started out wearing a button on my lapel that said The Pampered Chef. I started getting many comments just from that. Even got a booking that turned into more bookings, that turned into more bookings.......Then I went to my first conference and bought a PC shirt. Started wearing that.......then I got the PC Catalog Tote......started carrying that. I've never had one negative comment (except the one from another DS consultant......who was sort of snarky about it - but she has since quit selling.....ran out of bookings. ) I think I have found my comfort level. I will never be someone who talks to EVERYONE I meet about PC - don't even want to be that person. But I do like wearing PC clothing etc....and letting that be a conversation starter. I get questions frequently when I am out and about - and sometimes those conversations lead to bookings or orders. When people ask, I love talking about what I do! I don't advertise any other way - I am my only medium for advertising.....so it's important for me to advertise when I can ~ and for me, what I do works great.:thumbup: