If you've followed along with the Duggar family during the time they've been in the spotlight — both before and after their career in reality television — you already know that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have some seriously strict rules for their 19 children, with most of them being based in their cult-like religion, the Institute in Basic Life Principles. But now that Jill Duggar is all grown up and forging her own path, she's breaking those rules – and that includes celebrating Halloween.
More from CafeMom: Jinger Duggar Shares Rare Photo of Oldest Daughter Felicity Amid Family Drama
As a family, the Duggars have never celebrated Halloween.
In a blog post that Michelle shared years ago (via the Christian Post), she explained that her family avoids the holiday because of its association to things they believe are of a demonic nature, such as witches and magic.
"While we do go to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, we don't do the Halloween thing. From the beginning of our marriage we just kind of felt like we didn't want to celebrate that holiday," she wrote at the time. "Our church fellowship has had different celebrations through the years that we've been a part of, ones where the children can play games and receive candy and toys and do all kinds of fun things, like a cake walk. And it's a safe environment, one where you don't have to be concerned about some of the pranks and things that go on during Halloween."
This year, Jill has happily broken that rule.
Though Jill has shown her older sons, Israel and Samuel, dressed up on Halloween before, it didn't appear they took part in all of the other traditions that come with it. But this year, however, it seems they went all in. On Instagram, she shared a photo of herself and Derick all dressed up — Derick even went as Uncle Eddie from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, a movie that most of Jill's family probably would never dare to watch.
The family carved pumpkins, enjoyed a trunk-or-treat event, and even went out for ice cream, all in costume. This looks like so much fun!
Many of Jill's followers cheered her on.
In the comments, many people were happy to see Jill celebrating Halloween — something she never would have been able to do as a child.
"Can we all appreciate that in addition to celebrating Halloween, she is watching classic Chevy chase movies? Mainstream movies and trick or treating, I am just so stupid happy for her and her family," one person wrote.
Another commenter added, "I’m glad that you are building your own family traditions and having fun with your kids."
More from CafeMom: Critics Bash Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar for Letting Daughter Josie Wear 'Unsafe' Swimsuit
Some of her critics were less enthused.
In other comments, people claimed that it wasn't very Christian of Jill to celebrate Halloween.
"Christ follower in bio but celebrates Halloween," one person wrote.
Another commenter shared, "A person who claims to follow God and his word CANNOT celebrate a holiday where the occult is celebrated. We cannot be the light of the world by celebrating darkness. It is written."
She wasn't the only member of her family who chose to celebrate.
Her sister, Jinger — who has also been vocal about leaving the IBLP — shared a video on Instagram of herself and husband Jeremy taking their daughters, Felicity and Evangeline, trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
It looks like Jill and Jinger both had a lot of fun, despite what some people (including their own family) might think. It's great to see them both creating their own lives and traditions, independent from the oppressive rules they lived under as children.
