Boo! Ever been scared by an unexpected sound? Are you afraid of the dark? Would you run at the rustle of a leaf? We are all a little nervous at times, and the cause is often traceable to our childhood fantasies. Spooks, goblins, witches and dark moonless nights make Halloween exciting for children—but also provide the foundation for fear.

That which is placed into a mind is what the mind reacts to, and the impact can be great. Think about that the next time you plan to frighten a child at Halloween.

To help you understand the roots of Halloween, read the sidebar "Halloween: A Celebration of Darkness" in our free Bible study aid, Holidays or Holy Days: Does It Matter Which Days We Observe?