This year, the mysterious boogeyman seems to be COVID-19, which is why health professionals have agreed that it will not be safe to participate in traditional events like trick-or-treating, hayrides and indoor haunted houses in which all of these might hinder proper social distancing and risk exposing individuals to the virus.
With states moving to phase three of the reopening plans allowing events and functions to take place although concerning viewpoints exist, canceling the traditions of Halloween is just not an option for some, considering the fact that the world went through nearly four months of lockdown, canceled vacation plans and school cut short. Nonetheless, here are five fun ways you can still celebrate Halloween without the usual trick-or-treating.
1. Host a virtually competitive costume contest
Free apps and websites like Zoom and Google Hangouts seem like the go-to for hosting virtually fun events and Halloween is no different. Competitive costume contests are a big deal for Halloweeners, and these platforms will allow individuals to host parties and even create breakout rooms to allow individuals to interact with each other in small intimate settings.
2. Put together an epic Netflix watch party
Haunted houses may not be recommended but it doesn’t mean you can’t watch someone go through one on your flatscreen screen TV or laptop screen. Netflix watch parties have been on the rise since COVID-19 and what better way to host a party that allows you to social distance, eat candy and still be spooked by the horrors of Halloween with your friends. What makes hosting a watch party even better is the ability to tailor the movie and ratings to your audience.
3. Carve and decorate pumpkins in the comfort of your home
There are many Tik-Tok and YouTube videos on how to carve a pumpkin. Engraving a spooky cat or bat into a pumpkin can be a fun and challenging way to test the creative abilities of your friends and family.
4. Visit a haunted corn maze
Screaming through a corn maze while being chased by a scarecrow has been around for quite some time and this year although some challenges have been presented, it does not mean we are saying, “no,” to corn mazes. Hosts have adjusted their mazes to greater distancing, eliminated dead ends that might cause stranger interactions and even have one-way entries to prevent guests from crossing the path. So, if you are wondering whether or not it is safe to visit a corn maze, the answer is yes, according to the recommendations set by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
5. Host a spooky Halloween-themed hunt
Similar to Easter Egg Hunts that you host in your backyard with close family and friends, you can hide the same Halloween themed treats and gifts and collect them at night as a way to incorporate nighttime fun of trick-or-treating.
We have all seen the impacts of COVID-19. However you decide to celebrate Halloween this year, just make sure you are practicing social distancing and putting on a mask behind that costume.
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