Now let me start out by saying, I did not grow up in a liturgical tradition. So to say that following the church year is new to me would be an understatement. However, as an adult, and now a mother, it has become a sweet tradition in our family, anchoring us in Jesus during the everyday. This includes All Saints Day.
(To learn more about this day check out: All Saints Day: What Is It and How to Celebrate).
Our All Saints Day tradition includes a simple prayer breakfast. Donuts are the traditional food of Allhallowstide, so is there really any better way to celebrate. Below you will find some ideas for holding your own All Saints Day Prayer Breakfast, including menu, readings, and activities.
Menu: Sweet Bread
Sweet bread has been used to create tasty memento mori traditions. Memento mori is the Church tradition of remembering our own death. This in turn should lead us to pursue holiness and attend to our eternal souls. It is one of the focuses of All Saints Day. In the words of the Psalmist, it is a tradition to ‘teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom’ (Psalm 90:20). Though this discipline may sound a little dark to explore with small children, we can introduce them to the symbols while young that can then be used for reflection when they are older.
–Soul Cakes: Soul Cakes were traditionally given out on All Hallows Eve in return for prayers during All Saints Day. Thet were little cookies with raisins in the shape of a cross on the top.. Kendall from Edible Theology has a fantastic Soul Cake Recipe. I love her contemplative practice of having children name a person who loves them for each raisin they press into the top. While they bake say a prayer of thanks for each person that loves them. This brings to mind the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ who have gone before us cheering us on.
–Donuts: A traditional memento mori sweet bread is the donut! Tradition says a woman felt the true meaning of All Hallows Eve and all Saints Day had been forgotten and turned into a day of irreverent shenanigans. She started deep frying her soul cakes with a hole in the middle. The ring shape symbolized eternity. As she handed them to her guests she would urge them to reflect on their eternal souls. Danielle Hitchens is a wealth of information on All Souls Day and has a wonderful Donut Recipe in her newsletter archive. If Trick-or-Treating is apart of your tradition, consider the tradition of souling, where treats were given in return for prayers on All Saints Day. Decorate your donuts with Trick-or-Treat candy, and say a prayer for your neighbors.
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2
The Bible is full of holy men and women who pursued God. Hebrews 11 is a list of some of these men and women. Paul concludes:
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit!…Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in.
Hebrews 12:1-2, MSG
Read a few of the names listed in Hebrews 11. How do their stories point us to Jesus?
Read Hebrews 12:1-2. How can we also be imitators of Christ?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the men and women of faith that have gone before us, showing us what it means to trust you. Help us to trust you, and remember we are never alone in this journey.
Amen.
Activities and Fun:
Coloring pages: We used our Mother and Fathers of the Faith coloring pages. This was a fun hands of way to talk about some of the amazing people who have come before us in the faith.
Picture book biographies: We also pulled out some picture book biographies of people of faith we admire and read a few while we ate our breakfast. You can find a few of our favorites in the post: 15 Christians to Teach Your Kids About
Bouquets for Widows: One of the focuses of All Saints Day is to ‘mourn with those who mourn.’ Take some time to remember those in your community that have lost a loved one in the past year. You may consider making bouquets or picking up a plant for someone you know will be missing a loved one this holiday season. Take sometime to visit them and let them know you are thinking of them. Mums are the traditional flower of All Saints Day.
Paper Goods and Party Supplies: Finally for your All Saints Breakfast, maybe consider getting a little festive. Be A Heart Design has an incredible collection of All Saints Day Party good. She has party plates, napkins, and cups for sale, as well as a FREE Activity guide with recipes, craft ideas, and Saintly Bingo cards! Definitely check out her offerings.
Baby Devotions 