This year, Halloween is taking on a new look in the Evanston-Skokie school district near Chicago. Administrators have decided to eliminate traditional Halloween festivities in the classroom. Their explanation to parents was straightforward: not everyone observes Halloween, and they aim to respect that diversity. They also highlighted how Halloween celebrations can inadvertently reflect inequalities that may negatively affect students, their families, and the school staff.
Following the announcement, reactions from parents and community members varied widely. After reading some of the feedback, it became clear to me: everyone needs to take a deep breath. It’s not like they banned your favorite pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.
Evanston-Skokie isn’t alone; many schools across the country are rethinking established traditions to prioritize the well-being of all students. And honestly, I’m all for it—perhaps you should be too.
In my own children’s school district, while we will still have our beloved Halloween parties, there’s a new rule: no food will be allowed at any of the three holiday celebrations, including birthday treats. The risk of allergy exposure for vulnerable students is simply too significant. Plus, not every family can afford to provide special snacks for a classroom of twenty-five kids.
I personally welcome this new food policy. Three of my four kids have food allergies, and I’ve often had to send alternative snacks. Knowing there’s no risk of contamination is a relief. There are many ways to celebrate—games, music, and crafts that won’t expose anyone to allergens.
Of course, some parents voiced their frustrations in social media groups. I responded, reminding them that they’re fortunate not to carry around an expensive Epipen, praying their child won’t accidentally encounter a food they’re allergic to.
Additionally, our schools have issued a list of costume guidelines for Halloween: no weapons, no masks, no gore, and no offensive attire. Given the controversies surrounding cultural appropriation and other issues, I wonder why we even bother celebrating Halloween at school today.
Now, before you get upset, let me clarify: I adore holiday celebrations, especially Christmas. My home is adorned with festive decorations, and I’m that person who starts blasting Christmas music right after Halloween. Yet, just because I choose to celebrate my faith and enjoy the magic of Christmas at home doesn’t mean my children’s school needs to follow suit with holiday parties. I’m an adult; I can handle it. And so can my kids.
For those upset about the cancellation of holiday parties, all is not lost. There are countless ways to celebrate outside of school—visit a pumpkin patch, enjoy seasonal fairs, or simply stay home in your pajamas with hot chocolate, reading Halloween stories and watching movies like Hocus Pocus.
The truth is, holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day aren’t universally embraced. So why devote school hours to celebrate them?
A recent visit to the library reminded me of the diversity of holiday experiences. A woman remarked how strange American holiday traditions are, using Thanksgiving as an example. What feels traditional to many may not resonate with others, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
The financial burden holidays can impose on struggling families is another reason I support schools moving away from certain celebrations. Growing up in a low-income area, I witnessed how Halloween could be humiliating for some. I once helped a classmate named Lily, who couldn’t afford a costume, to create a makeshift outfit from the lost-and-found. It was a small gesture, but it made a difference in her day.
Fast forward to high school, and I remember my friend Hannah, a Jehovah’s Witness, who couldn’t participate in any holiday celebrations. Her parents would remove her from school during these times to avoid any teasing. These experiences, though from decades ago, still resonate today. No child should feel left out or singled out during holiday festivities.
And let’s be honest—who enjoys organizing themed games, snacks, and crafts for a room full of energetic kids? Wouldn’t you rather spend your time with loved ones on a vacation instead?
If Halloween is your favorite holiday, that’s fantastic. You can still enjoy it with your family. But for those who aren’t into pumpkins and ghosts, that’s perfectly okay too.
In conclusion, whether schools choose to celebrate holidays or not, it’s important to remember that joy can be found in many forms, and inclusivity should always come first.
For more on holiday celebrations and parenting, check out our other posts, like this one about nursery setups at Home Insemination Kit.
Keyphrase: Holiday Classroom Parties
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