If you’re feeling the need for change this season, you’re not alone. Embrace the beauty of fall with peace, purpose, and connection.
By Heather Holker | Co-Founder of LIVEDEN | 3-minute read
Years ago, when our kids were little, I started to really struggle with the idea of Halloween. Watching children walk around as dead cheerleaders and zombies didn’t feel like something I wanted our kids to aspire to. But fall is also such a beautiful time — the change of seasons, the crisp air, the opportunity to gather. There are so many wonderful memories to be made!
A Conversation That Changed Everything
A recent conversation with a friend inspired me to write this. She was just “done” and had decided to boycott the season — which is understandable. With the commercialization of our holidays, it can sometimes feel easier to just say no and not participate at all. But we also want our kids to experience the joy of the seasons! Holidays can hold some of our best memories — moments that connect us, make us laugh, and remind us what family is all about.
Every family is different, and certain traditions will feel right for yours. The key is to be intentional. Don’t just go with the flow. Don’t worry about what others think (because let’s be honest, everyone will have an opinion). Do what feels right for your family.
A Peek Into Our Family Fall Traditions 🍁
Our kids love fall and Halloween because of the traditions we’ve created together — the Pumpkin Patch, carving and painting pumpkins, cozy fall nights snuggled in blankets reading stories, warm soup simmering on the stove, and dressing up as heroes or characters they love.
Each year, our kids choose costumes that inspire them — often their favorite scripture heroes or storybook characters. This year, our youngest wants to be a light because her favorite Primary song is “This Little Light of Mine.” 💡 I’m still trying to figure out how to pull that one off, but if she wants to walk around as a light — that’s amazing!
On Halloween night, we go trick-or-treating as a family and meet up with friends. We have warm soup and bread before we head out and hot chocolate waiting when we get home. It’s a simple, stress-free night for our family.
Our Kids Know the Drill
When our kids were little I would sort through their baskets and remove all the candy with food coloring — which honestly, is most of it. Now that our kids are older they do it. Our kids keep the chocolate and know they can have a little each day after they eat something healthy. Most of the time, they forget about it after a few weeks.
Teaching Kids Balance
This is the beauty of not making candy or treats forbidden or “all or nothing”. When you teach your kids balance and how to sort out the unhealthy portions they self-regulate — taking that pressure off of mom. We want our kids to know how to make healthy choices for themselves, whether they are 5 or 25 — because (cue the tears) at some point they’ll be on their own. We want them to know how to make good choices so they can be healthy for life.
Making It Work For Different Ages of Kids
Through the years we’ve made adjustments as some of our kids have gotten older. Our teens love spending time with our family but also want to see friends. With our schedule, they are able to do both.
We start at 5pm with dinner and pictures, and because we only Trick-or-Treat for about an hour, we’re home by 7:30pm. Our kids can do their candy trade, have hot chocolate, and then our little ones get ready for bed (which is great, because as us moms know, the later it gets the quicker it goes downhill). After our family time our teens head out to enjoy Halloween Parties with their friends.
The Memories We Keep
We take lots of pictures — at the Pumpkin Patch, carving and painting pumpkins, and dressed up in costumes. These are the memories our kids will remember when they’re grown. During fall, I put up photos from past years — little reminders of fun, family, and togetherness. That’s what I want them to remember most.
When It’s Time for Change
If something doesn’t feel right in your family traditions, maybe it’s time to make a change. Prayerfully consider what is right for your family.
It’s easy to get caught up in what the world says holidays should be — but let’s be honest, most of it is about money and distraction. The world is in full force trying to pull us away from what truly matters — family, purpose, and motherhood.
As Julie B. Beck once said, “Mothers who know, do things differently.” I feel proud to walk that road.
A Final Thought
If you’re feeling the pull to do things differently this season, you’re not alone. There’s so much beauty in creating family rhythms that feel aligned with your values — ones that build connection, bring peace, and reflect who you truly are.
Let that mom intuition guide your heart and home as you seek to live more intentionally — one beautiful fall day at a time. 🍂
