The COVID-19 pandemic has stayed around through the fall holidays and Halloween festivities. With trick-or-treating more a thing of the past for most college students, and parties recommended to stay limited, it can be hard to try and find something fun to do that makes everyone feel the spooky vibes. It’s a struggle to keep up with 2020 when it feels like everything is moving in fast forward. Taking the time to really live in the moment is crucial as we go on with this pandemic, and sharing moments with people you care about can be one of the best ways to do so.
There are the basics of feeling “Halloween-y:” pumpkin patches, cooler weather, spooky decorations and, of course, the treats. One way my roommate and I tried to get more in the spirit is by trying two different Halloween mocktails and put on Hocus Pocus! While it’s something as simple as that, we, along with our friends, found it to be enjoyable and made us feel a part of something. Any of the mocktails listed can be substituted with different ingredients; however, the red berries are what gives a “blood” effect. If you’re a fan of baking or cooking, you can also look up recipes to try and incorporate that into your night. A night of watching a movie, painting a pumpkin and having Halloween mocktails was one of the first times I felt truly close to Halloween this year.
At the end of the night, we voted on our favorite mocktails and why. My roommate’s favorite drink was one we found called “Harvest Moon,” which is grapefruit and grapefruit juice, club soda mixed and crushed blackberries (blood look). She’s more a fan of grapefruit than the rest of us were, but she also explained how the other drink was too sweet for her. My personal favorite was the other drink! “Boogey Man Brew,” which was on the sweeter and more childish side, was green Kool-Aid with whipped cream on top and candied eyes that brought me back to nights after trick-or-treating when I would just eat all the sweets I collected.
Sadly, with COVID-19 lurking it’s vital to think about those who are more easily affected by the virus and trying to reduce the spread. If you’re in a college town, as I am, it’s pretty difficult to feel safe with students going out every weekend with no masks or distancing measures. Coming up with an alternative plan can be a safe and fun way to get together. Creating a girl’s night to get spooky could be something you don’t even realize you or your friends could use right now!
When it feels like the whole world is moving past you it’s important to try and plan something that people can connect over. With Halloween coming up, it’s time to catch the spirit of the holiday and do something to make this pandemic feel less alone.
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