Approaching Heaven at Home: Preparing Kids for All Saints and All Souls Days

As October draws to a close, our thoughts naturally turn to two of the most meaningful celebrations in the Church: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. For families, this is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and help children understand that the Church is a family that stretches beyond time and space, filled with saints and those we love who have gone before us.

Children often see saints as distant or extraordinary, but All Saints Day invites them to meet holy friends who once lived ordinary lives. We can tell them stories of courage, kindness, and trust in God — from the well-known saints like St. Francis and St. Teresa of Avila to the hidden saints in our own family histories. This is a moment to remind them that holiness is not about being perfect; it’s about loving God and neighbor in the life we’ve been given.

All Souls Day, following on November 2, is an opportunity to teach children about the beauty of prayer for those still on their journey to heaven. Visiting a cemetery, lighting candles, or simply sharing memories of loved ones can make the invisible very real for little ones. At home, a simple “memory corner” with photos, saint cards, or a small candle becomes a sacred space where kids can quietly remember, pray, and feel connected.

Even small gestures matter. Sharing a story about a favorite saint during dinner, saying a short prayer together before bed, or reading a children’s book about the saints can plant seeds of faith that grow for years. For families who want to make the moment extra special, wrapping up in a cozy blanket during storytime adds a gentle, tangible comfort — a little reminder that the love of the saints and of God surrounds us, even in quiet moments.

As your family prepares for All Saints and All Souls Days, consider how you can make heaven feel close. Share stories, light candles, pray together, and invite your children into a sense of the vast, loving family of God. These moments, though simple, help little hearts see that love never ends and that faith is alive in every corner of daily life.

“We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” – Hebrews 12:1