Anthony DeStefano’s new children’s book, ‘All Hallows’ Eve,’ seeks to reframe Halloween by highlighting its Christian spiritual origins, encouraging families to celebrate the holiday with faith and remembrance of the dead rather than focusing on darkness and horror. The author argues that modern culture has deviated from the holiday’s true meaning and warns against the “festival of evil” concept, advocating for a more meaningful and hopeful interpretation of the holiday.
DeStefano, known for his Christian-themed books, aims to help children and parents engage with Halloween in a way that aligns with their faith while still embracing the festive elements of the season. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Halloween as a time for prayer, penance, and remembrance of the dead, which he believes is often overshadowed by modern commercialization and media portrayals that glorify evil.
The book recounts the story of a group of friends who encounter a mysterious woman who prays for the souls of the dead in a cemetery, teaching the children about the true meaning of the holiday. This narrative, based on Catholic traditions, aligns with the belief in purgatory and the intermediate state between death and eternal life. DeStefano also points to recent events, such as the death of Charlie Kirk and the school Mass shooting, as reminders of the real-world stakes of the holiday’s spiritual significance.
In his view, Halloween is not about glorifying darkness but about shining a light on death and the promise of eternal life. He warns that the media’s fascination with evil may dull moral senses and urges parents to teach their children the origins of the holiday. DeStefano believes that Halloween can also carry a message of hope, as dressing up in traditional costumes can be a reminder to pray for loved ones who have passed away and to cherish the promise of reuniting in heaven.