Thank you for the Halloween article in the Oct. 23 paper ("Boo-Hoo," Section D1). Although not against trick or treating, I am upset about the gory decorations. They seem to get more grotesque and bloody each year. It's so unfair to the little ones who get scared by them, too.

And some of them are getting obscene and offensive. We spank our kids for exposing themselves the way some people dress up pumpkins! That's confusing to the kids we try to teach.

One thing I found missing in the articles was the meaning of Halloween. It used to be spelled Hallowe'en for "Hallowed Evening." Hallowed means holy! That was the night before All Saints Day - Nov. 1. It was a sacred night! Who even considers any more honoring the saints who have set such good examples for us?

There are good, non-offensive ways to celebrate. I recommend referring to a little a book called "Redeeming Halloween" by Wier and McCune, which came from Focus on the Family, for excellent ideas. It can also be borrowed from some of the local libraries - Minonk's for one. It's a little late for this year, of course, but it would still be timely for a head start for next year.

Let's give our kids the best instead of degrading the holiday more each year!

Louise F. Hauth, Minonk