From 5pm onwards, our driveway was buzzing with laughter, excitement and happiness!
We had set up a Pumpkin Skittle Alley, and for the next three hours I loved welcoming trick-or-treaters and chatting with parents while the children took turns bowling with mini pumpkins. The comments from families were so lovely: “This is the best house!”, “We love coming here every year!”, “This is so much fun!” and “Thank you for all you've done!”
We had also put together little packages of popcorn and a short story I'd written called Teddy and the Light in the Darkness. It's a gentle reminder to children that even when life feels dark or scary, we are never truly alone. We handed out so many stories that I honestly lost count, and I pray they'll be read, enjoyed and leave a little message of hope of those who take them home.
Hours later, once the crowds had gone home, it was time for the teenagers to come out. And this is probably my favourite part of the evening. I love chatting with them, making them feel welcome and watching them laugh as they send a pumpkin flying down our driveway, all hoping to become the Bitterne Park Skittle Champion of 2026!
It was their comments afterwards that really touched me and reminded me just how much I love doing this. “We love this!”, “Thanks so much!” and “This is absolutely brilliant!” It made me realise that this is exactly what I was made for: creating a place where people feel welcome, where laughter is shared and where our community can come together.
So, another Halloween is over. Our driveway has been filled with laughter, fun and a little light. Most of all, I hope our community knows that our door is always open, not just for a bit of fun, but for a chat, a listening ear and an opportunity to discover a little more about the light we have found in Jesus.
And that's what it was all about for us this year: bringing a little light, sharing a lot of love and reminding our community that Jesus is the light of the world.
