10 Ways for Christian Seniors to Connect with Their Community on Halloween

1. Hand out Treats

Passing out treats is a great way to break the ice and talk to people. If you are more of an introvert, comment on a kid's costume or the candy they choose to start a conversation.

As for treats, make sure you have a mix of regular candy, nut-free candy (Tootsie Rolls, Dum Dum suckers, and Tootsie Fruit Chews), and maybe even a few little toy prizes for them to pick from. Also, make sure you separate the regular from the nut-free in two separate buckets and label the nut-free one. Kids have so many allergies these days, and you can't be too careful.

2. Have a Biblical Costume Party

Gather your friends and have a biblical costume party. Have everyone dressed up as their favorite Bible character and bring a snack or beverage. Put on your favorite Christian music and even play a few rounds of Bible trivia. Each person can introduce themselves as their character and tell their backstory in their own unique way. You could even have small prizes for best costume, best "acting" in character, and best backstory.

3. Gather Friends and Go on a Prayer Walk

Gather your friends together and go on a prayer walk. You could take a walk around your block and even one or two blocks over and pray for every house on the street. You can also pray for those who are out trick-or-treating, for the animals that are out on that night (stray animals and pets that mistakenly get out), and against all demonic activity.

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4. Volunteer at Church

Churches have all kinds of fall activities, but trunk-or-treats are some of the most popular. Sign up to volunteer for your church's Halloween festivities.

You will have a great time fellowshiping with others in your congregation, feel good knowing all the kids that come will be in a safe environment, and maybe even talk to some people who are searching for God.

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5. Bake Treats with Your Grandkids

Have your grandkids over and have a baking bonanza. Fall treats are always a hit, but these will be even more special on Halloween compared to the store-bought variety.

Make two or three different things, like cupcakes, bars, and maybe a trail mix or salty snack. For example, I make taco crackers with oyster crackers, homemade taco seasoning, and a little oil and bake them in the oven for a yummy snack. When you're done, box them up in decorative boxes and bags and deliver them to your friends and neighbors.

6. Go on a Drive

Invite a friend or two and drive around your neighborhood to admire the Halloween decorations. People love decorating for Halloween and usually have their homes and yards decked out to the hilt.

You will probably see lots of decorations in your neighborhood, but if you really want to see a sight, go to the nicest part of town. One year, when we lived in Illinois in Peoria, we drove over to Grand View Drive on Halloween night, where a lot of affluent people lived. Their homes and yards were quite a sight to behold.

7. Dress as a Bible Character

Invite some friends to dress as Bible characters and hand out candy at your house. If anyone asks who you are, you can tell them about your story and what happened in your life. For example, David could talk about defeating Goliath, Mary could talk about Jesus, and Moses could talk about parting the red sea. Get into character and have fun with it. Who knows, you may inspire someone to want to find out more.

8. Celebrate the Good

Instead of focusing on the bad and the evil that Halloween represents, focus on the good. Have friends over and watch some God-centered shows or movies. Talk about what God is doing in your life and the good that has come from it or what he is teaching you in this season.

Enjoy some snacks and play some games. If you want, shut your porch light off so you don't get trick-or-treaters or don't answer your apartment door unless you are expecting someone. Put the evil in the world away for a night and instead enjoy your friends, family, and the God we serve.

If you have kids coming over, put on a Christian movie or TV show, let them color, or make a simple craft, or play board games. Also, if you have pets, make sure that they have a safe space to retreat to. The knocking at the door and ringing of the doorbell, as well as other sights and sounds, can make them anxious. Make it a fun, family-friendly night for everyone.

9. Pass out Lists of Your Favorite Bible Verses

We all know the antidote to darkness is light, so why not make a list of your favorite Bible verses or verses that relate to Halloween and pass them out with your candy? This is a great way to plant a seed in someone's life and point them at Jesus. Here are some verses to get you started.

"This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you; God is light and there is no darkness in him at all." (1 John 1:5, NLT)

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy; the devil! He prowls around like a roaring lion; looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

"But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians, 11:14, NLT)

"Someone may say to you, "Let's consult the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do." But shouldn't people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead? Look to God's instructions and teachings! People who contradict his word are completely in the dark." (Isaiah 8:19-20, NLT)

"Dear friend, do not let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God." (3 John 1:11, NLT)

"Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you" (Isaiah 35:4, NLT)

"Christ died and rose again for this very purpose-to be Lord of both the living and the dead." (Romans 14:9, NLT)

"This is my command! Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NLT)

If these verses don't appeal to you, that's okay. Instead, write some Bible verses that mean the most to you and distribute them. Pray ahead of time that they will touch someone's heart and lead them to want to know more about God.

10. Have a Decorating Party with Your Family

Invite your family over and have a Halloween decorating party a few days before. This way, your home or apartment will be all decked out for the big day.

Some of your kids and grandkids can help you decorate the inside. You will probably have the decorations that you have collected over the years, but it may be fun to mix it up a little. Have the grandkids make some crafts that you can hang up or use to decorate your dining room table or side tables in your living room.

Another fun idea is to buy some cheap Halloween ornaments and strands of lights (check out the Dollar Tree for light strands with bats, pumpkins, ghosts, etc.) and let them decorate a Christmas tree as a Halloween tree.

The rest of your kids can help decorate the outside, such as your front porch and yard. When everyone is done, have a simple dinner with everyone to show your appreciation.

Seniors can connect with their community on Halloween in all kinds of ways, from passing out treats to volunteering to having a party with family and friends. Halloween doesn't have to be about the dark side of things—this is what the world makes it. Instead, let's focus on spending time with the loved ones in our lives and spreading the light that has overcome the world.