Halloween can be a challenging time for Catholic parents. As the days grow shorter and the nights creep in, neighborhoods often transform into spooky scenes—graveyards sprouting in front yards, ghosts peeking through windows, and decorations getting scarier each year. But as Catholic parents, we can approach Halloween differently by focusing on our faith, teaching our children about the angels and saints, and offering a new perspective on this season.

The Cultural Shift

Halloween has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with $11.6 billion in total spending anticipated this year. Nearly 47% of people start their Halloween shopping before October even arrives. For many, it’s no longer just a one-night event but an entire month-long focus on costumes, candy, and often dark imagery. The top activities shared by the National Retail Federation include handing out candy (67%), decorating homes (52%), dressing up in costumes (49%), and carving pumpkins (43%).

With Halloween taking on this broader cultural significance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as a parent. How do we participate without glorifying the darker side of the holiday? How can we be “in the world” but not “of the world,” as Christ calls us to be?

Pro Tips for Catholic Parents

1. Focus on Angels and Saints

Let’s tell the rest of the spiritual story of goodness verse evil. Oftentimes as a culture the focus is only on the darkness- instead of seeing the glory of God in overcoming this darkness, As parents we can never allow this evil into our hearts, homes or the hearts of our children. We know that we must protect children, in Matthew 18:6, Jesus tells us, “Whoever causes one of these little ones^* who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

All Saints Day is always on November 1 and is meant to remind us of the glory of God and how evils is always overcome!

2. Rethink Treats

When you think of Halloween it is always connected with candy! However, it is so easy to go overboard and get carried away. How often do we find ourselves with a mountain of candy that lasts well into November? Consider alternatives like pencils, stickers, fruit snacks, or glow sticks. They’re fun, affordable, and can make your house stand out as a place of light and joy. Even small gestures like these can transform Halloween from a sugar-fueled frenzy into a more thoughtful and intentional celebration. Can you make your house a beacon of light instead of a place darkness? As a mother of seven children, nothing upsets me more than scaring little children. I hate to see them frightened as they desire to participate. Lets recall that if you do participate in Halloween it should be a time to celebrate children and help them to have a fun night3.

3. Decorate with Intention

We all enjoy decorating for fall, but as Catholic families, it’s worth asking: What message are we sending with our decorations? In our home, we avoid decorations that glorify fear or darkness. Instead, we keep things simple—pumpkins, lanterns, maybe a cheerful welcome mat. Last year, after a particularly spooky neighborhood scene, I told my children that I wished we could fill our yard with angels fighting the demons. Focus on creating a space that reflects peace, light, and faith is not only a witness to your children but to your community as well. It is a perfect night to meet neighbors and share hospitality even if you do or do not participate in the candy-business!

4. Costumes that Celebrate Virtue

When it comes to dressing up, encourage your children to choose costumes that reflect positive role models. My daughter loves Anne of Green Gables, and she’s chosen to dress as her this year. Other options might include saints, angels, or historical figures who inspire virtue. While the culture often pushes for scary or extravagant costumes, there’s joy to be found in simplicity and meaning. Choosing characters that embody goodness gives Halloween a deeper purpose.

5. Be the Light

Jesus calls us to be the light to others, and Halloween offers a unique opportunity to live that out. Instead of retreating from the holiday or embracing its darker elements, use it as a time to connect with your neighbors, meet new people, and bring joy into your community. Perhaps this is the perfect night to share the beauty of your faith with others—through your words, actions, or even just the spirit of warmth and welcome you offer to trick-or-treaters.

At our school we have a Trick or Trunk night where parents come together to host an evening of fun. This might be something fun for you to plan instead of participating in traditional halloween “beggars night”

6. Pray to the Angels

Let’s reflect on the role of angels in our lives. They serve as protectors, messengers, and warriors in the spiritual battles we face. Talk to your children about their guardian angels and how they can call on them for help. This is the perfect conversation starter to guide them toward understanding the spiritual reality that exists beyond what they can see.

While much of the world focuses on the spooky, we know the truth—that Christ has already won the battle over darkness. The angels are here to help us, and we’re called to be a light in the world.

Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen. Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.

“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.”

Halloween doesn’t have to be a time of fear or darkness. As Catholic parents, we can navigate the spooky while remaining grounded in our faith. By focusing on angels, saints, and the goodness God calls us to, we can reclaim this season and transform it into a time of light, joy, and deeper spiritual meaning for our families.

Let’s empower our children to shine brightly, to embrace their faith, and to be a beacon of hope in a world that sometimes feels too focused on the dark. I also recommend checking out the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart for Spiritual Tools to help your family navigate Spiritual Warfare. www.WelcomeHIsHeart.com. 

*September 29 is the feast of St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael, three of the traditional seven archangels; just four days later, on October 2, we celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels…