Halloween is coming. You’d never know it has Catholic roots when walking down the street in October and seeing houses covered with fake spiderwebs, skeletons, and gruesome decorations. So much of the modern holiday seems focused on the macabre.
But Halloween is another word for “All Hallows’ Eve,” the eve of All Saints’ Day. Instead of conceding the day to the celebration of dark things, Christian families can make Halloween a celebration of what it really means. And we can do it without too much fuss!
A few simple Catholic traditions, some good old-fashioned fall fun, and a little attention to the holy days that follow can make Halloween just as memorable for our children while pointing them toward something much better. And especially if you have young children, there are plenty of ways to make it memorable.
1. Bring back the soul cake. In the British Isles, children once went door-to-door asking for “soul cakes” and promising to pray for the deceased family members of those who gave them one. Bring the tradition home by decorating cookies or cupcakes. Before eating them, explain the traditional meaning and ask them to remember those in your family who have died and pray for them.
2. Play a few easy and fun saint games. Go on a saint scavenger hunt. Hide pictures of saints around the house or yard with a piece of candy beside each one. For older children, add clues they have to solve before finding the next saint. Or, if you have older children, play a saint guessing game. Give clues and see who can name the saint first: “I lived in Assisi and loved animals.” “I fought a dragon.” “I am the patron saint of lost things.” Keep the clues simple for little ones and make them harder for older children.
3. Add some old-fashioned fall fun. Set up pumpkin bowling with empty plastic bottles, hang cider donuts from strings and try to eat them without hands, decorate little pumpkins, or have a candy-corn relay. Halloween activities don't all need a deeper meaning; just create simple fun to have together.
4. Trick-or-treat on your street or in your neighborhood. Suppose your neighbors want to see the kids in costume; head outside after the games are over for some trick-or-treating. Walk your own street, knock on doors, visit the neighbors, and enjoy being part of your neighborhood.
5. Remember where Halloween leads us: to All Saints’ Day on November 1st and All Souls’ Day on November 2nd. Before everyone heads home or before bed, say a quick prayer for the dead and wish each other a happy All Hallows’ Eve!
Our All Hallows’ Eve Book & Sticker Sheets Set is another fun way to introduce children to the Catholic meaning behind Halloween while they're enjoying the festivities. Purchase yours today at The Catholic Company!
