It’s Halloween time…!!! Selecting costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting special treats will bring joy to many children. But this time, the traditions may look different to keep everyone safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus in a lot of ways.
So, keep doing what you have been doing: keeping a distance of six feet from others, avoiding large gatherings, wearing cloth face coverings, and washing hands often. Here are some ways to keep the safety steps in place while celebrating.
5 Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween During COVID-19 Pandemic
Virtual costume parties & parades
Make use of video chats for an online party with your family and friends and show off costumes and play games. It will be fun to do! You can go for outdoor costume parades if you can stay at least 6 feet apart and wear cloth face coverings.
Spooky movie night
Dress up as your favorite character and celebrate with a movie. You can do this as a family or you can let your child watch it with their friends on video chatting, with everyone starting the movie at the same time.
Decorating pumpkins
This will be one of the safe Halloween traditions and fun as ever. Pay attention to your kids to avoid pumpkin carving injuries. Another thing you can do is the carving part while the kids draw a face with markers. After the carving is done, put a battery-operated light rather than an open-flame candle inside. You roast the seeds and eat it as a healthy snack.
Halloween-themed treats
It will be fun making some Halloween treats as a family. Decorate pizza with toppings in the shape of a jack-o’-lantern or make tangerine pumpkins. If you have children under age 3, make sure that the treats are choking hazards.
Outdoor community events
Look for community events offered by park district, arboretum, zoo, or other outdoor venues in your area. Even though outdoor, stay away from crowds and follow safe distance rules. Avoid indoor events like haunted houses where everyone is clustered.
If there is trick-or-treat in your community
Trick-or-treating is canceled in some areas this year. A family scavenger hunt could be a fun alternative. If trick-or-treating is still on in your area, avoid large groups at doorsteps or anywhere else. Try to hand out prepacked treat bags for families to take.
Halloween during this COVID-19 pandemic is a chance for you and your children to get creative and invent some new traditions for your family. It’s also an opportunity to model flexibility and a positive spirit. This is the time to teach children the importance of protecting not just themselves but others, as well. Find safe ways to celebrate and create magical memories.
