Whole Health and Halloween?!
By: Nicole Lea, RN, MSN, CPNP
Learn the surprising Catholic roots of Halloween while getting simple pro-tips for celebrating with your family in a way that Nurtures Whole Health!
Matthew 5:16
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The Light Within Us
Charles loves the holidays! His joy for this time of year began when he was just a baby. In the middle of the night as an infant, Keith would hold him up to the front-door window, and together they would look at the glowing lights on our neighbors’ houses.
I don’t know about your neighborhood, but it seems like lights go up sooner every year! Some homes have LED lights that stay up all year, changing colors with the seasons. The beauty of that soft glow always reminds me of the light God places in each of our hearts—a light meant to shine brightly, especially when the world grows dim.
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
✨ Jesus is our light and guide through every shadow of fear, reminding us that in Him, darkness cannot overcome us.
🕯️ A Holy History of Hope
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Do you know that the foundation of All Hallows’ Eve is to remind us that death no longer holds power over us? Through Christ, we have already been given the victory. Because of Jesus, we can face mortality not with fear, but with faith and thanksgiving.
Halloween began with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of harvest when people believed spirits could cross into the world of the living. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints’ Day to November 1 and All Souls’ Day to November 2, forming Hallowtide. These days of honoring the saints and souls remind us of our shared humanity. By the late 1800s, All Hallows’ Eve had become “Halloween,” blending Christian faith with older customs such as prayers for the dead, bonfires, and disguises. When English and French Catholics brought these traditions to America, they mingled with local harvest celebrations, eventually giving rise to the joyful customs of costumes, treats and decorations we know today. At its heart, Halloween calls us to turn from fear to faith, from superstition to prayer, and to face darkness with the hope and confidence of eternal life in Christ.
Here is a short video about Halloween being a Catholic feast day! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A_3Oga_dK8&t=55s
Here is a longer history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vRblleKYm4
Our society often takes beautiful, Catholic-rooted holidays and rearranges their foundation, intent, or practice. Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, was originally a joyful vigil, a way to celebrate before the feast of All Saints’ Day and the prayers of All Souls’ Day.
All Hallows’ Eve reminds us of a profound truth: we are dust, and to dust we shall return. Through Christ’s victory over death, we have nothing to fear. It is not a celebration of darkness, but a vigil of light—a time to focus our hearts on eternity and trust in the promise of the Resurrection.
As Catholic moms, we have a beautiful opportunity to witness to our friends and neighbors by letting Christ’s light shine brightly through us. We are not called to hide in fear, but to live with joyful faith.
You may ask, what about the fear factor and all the talk of death? The truth is the death rate for humans is 100%. This season invites us not to fear death, but to reflect honestly on life. Are we living with eternity in mind? Are we leading our families toward heaven as our final destination?
Choosing to Shine
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love serve one another.”
God loves us so much, he lets us choose! We are free to follow the world’s way or to shine with the light of Christ. We can do this with every act of kindness, word of truth, and prayer offered.
In our home, we celebrate simply and joyfully. Our family gives out candy and glow sticks on Halloween, telling each little visitor, “Let your light shine!” This is a reminder that Christ’s light can shine even on a dark night. We have a crock pot full of chili as our snack between the sweet treats ;-)
And yes, we love dressing up! Costumes can be a fun way to imagine ourselves in a different light, free to be creative and playful. One year, our family dressed as Star Wars characters, I was Princess Leia and it was so fun to lean into the imagination!
This silly time can be a reminder to ask ourselves, How can I imagine the best version of myself, the woman God calls me to be? How do I want to show up? Costumes can help us celebrate that freedom with gratitude, creativity, and joy.
Pro Tips for a Whole Health Halloween
Pick your costume to show the joy and freedom of being a child of God! This year, I’ll be a butterfly and Charles has a mask with lights that changes expressions!
Have a simple, protein packed, filling meal ready (we love chili)! It keeps everyone full before the candy comes out. This is a family favorite chili recipe: https://www.evolvingtable.com/healthy-sweet-potato-ground-turkey-chili/
Wash your hands before enjoying those sweets. There’s plenty of fun (and germs!) in those candy buckets.
Shine your light bright! Whether through a kind word, a glowing gift, or a warm smile, be a light for others to see Jesus in you.
Set a clear end time. Before heading out, decide when everyone will come inside and when the candy will be put away. A calm, structured ending helps with the wind down process for everyone!
Do you wonder what to do with all that candy? Bring extra treats to a local food pantry so they can be added to bags of canned goods. It’s a sweet way to teach children generosity and gratitude.
Closing Reflection: Shine His Light
As mothers, we have the beautiful calling to bring light wherever God places us—to teach our children that faith conquers fear and love overcomes darkness.
This Halloween, as candles glow and laughter fills our homes, may we remember that we are bearers of Christ’s light.
Let your family’s light shine brightly for others to see the victory, love, and eternal light of Christ.
✨So light a candle. Pray for a soul. Share a glow stick and a smile.
Hello Eema’s Mission
Hello Eema understands that true wellness encompasses both body and spirit. Drawing from our medical backgrounds and experiences as mothers, we offer a unique perspective where faith and healthcare converge. We believe that nurturing whole health begins with understanding our identity in Christ. This identity forms the foundation from which we can care for ourselves and our families physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
The name Eema comes from what Jesus calls Mary in The Chosen. It’s a tender reminder that we’re all beloved daughters of God, following in our Heavenly Mother’s footsteps. “Hello” is our greeting of recognition and hope: You are seen and not alone.
Join us at Hello Eema as we walk this path together.
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