All Hallow's Eve, now called Halloween, is the eve of All Saints' Day, a day formerly a holy day of obligation. Like all holy days the eve or vigil Mass became a celebration in itself. So, Halloween grew into parties and celebrations, and eventually trick or treating, bobbing for apples, pumpkin carving, and lots of punch and candy. Halloween was never a pagan holiday. Though the trappings are there, the costumes, the tricks, the candy, the haunted houses are just that--trappings. They are mostly harmless and make fun of things we think we should be scared of. However, it really is supposed to be a celebration of the lives of the saints. Don't let any overly sensitive "Christian" or delusional pseudo-pagan talk you or your kids out of having fun. Play with your kids, dress up like a kid, have fun like a kid--just for one night enjoy and celebrate.
Further reading and ideas:
http://catholicism.about.com/od/thecatholicfamily/p/Halloween.htm
http://www.americancatholic.org/features/default.aspx?id=23
http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/hallween.htm
http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/all-hallow-s-eve.html
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