Our family doesn’t really “do” Halloween — at least not in the way modern society does it these days, with all the gory and ghoulish-themed events and parties. I have written several times about why this is so but if you want to read just ONE of my posts, please read this one. You should also read this piece on Catholic Culture about family celebration ideas for Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Having said that, I don’t judge parents who let their kids dress up as ghouls or goblins or axe murderers and the like on Halloween, but I would encourage them to really think twice about it. I mean, wouldn’t it be much better (and such a great witness too!) if we dressed up our kids — and ourselves, if you’re inclined to wearing costumes on Halloween — as saints and/or Bible characters? That way, you’d be hitting two birds with one stone: (1) You’d be keeping the “hallow” in Halloween, and (2) You’d be encouraging your kids and other people to focus on the saints, whom we celebrate on All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1.

The concept of saint costumes may sound elaborate or difficult to parents though; hence, this post. As a parent whose kids have been dressed as saints for the past few years, I would just like to share a few last-minute, easy saint costume ideas. I can’t sew nor do I consider myself a “crafty” mom, so easy costumes are the way to go for me! 😉

FOR GIRLS

1. Queen/princess costume (store-bought or DIY: long dress, cape or cloak, crown): Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (carry a basket of bread and roses, if possible), Saint Isabella of Portugal, Saint Margaret of Scotland, Saint Helena (carry a cross)

2. Doctor costume (store-bought or DIY: white coat or oversized polo that resembles a coat {or just wear a white blouse}, toy stethoscope): Saint Gianna Beretta Molla (carry a baby doll, if possible)

3. Maid costume (simple dress, apron if you have one, scarf over hair): Saint Zita (carry a broom or duster)

4. White dress and white veil: Blessed Imelda Lambertini (patroness of first holy communicants)

5. White dress and angel wings plus halo (we bought a set from a toy store): Guardian angel

FOR BOYS

1. King/prince costume (store-bought or DIY): Saint Constantine, Saint Wenceslaus, Saint Edward

2. Knight costume (store-bought or DIY): Saint George, Saint Michael the Archangel (add angel wings)

3. Camisa de chino and black or brown pants: Saint Lorenzo Ruiz (carry a rosary), Saint Pedro Calungsod (carry a palm leaf). If you don’t have a camisa, any round-neck plain white shirt will do)

4. Long-sleeved white shirt (polo shirt if possible) and blue jeans: Newly-canonized Saint Jose Sanchez Del Rio (carry a palm leaf if possible).

5. Formal-looking jacket, bow tie, black pants or school uniform with bow tie (easily found in department stores): Saint Dominic Savio

If you need more ideas for saint costumes, check out and Catholic All Year, plus Catholic Mom’s article about saint costumes especially for kids whose moms don’t sew (the aforementioned are three of my go-to sites for ideas on “Catholicizing” everything, plus liturgical living!).

Last tip: DON’T PANIC if your kids’ saint costumes are not as elaborate as other kids’ — just remember, the main point is to dress them up in such a way that will let others know about Jesus (or at least get curious as to who the kids are dressed up as and why)! If you want, you can also have the kids wear “sashes” (for lack of a better term) that say who they’re dressed up as. Have fun, and Happy Halloween / All Hallows’ Eve in advance! 🙂

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