COVID-19 has completely redefined how we go about our lives, including how we celebrate our holidays. Halloween is no exception to this. So how do we stay safe and celebrate? Here are some suggestions to have a safe Halloween:
- Redefine how you think about the holiday
-
Halloween cannot be kids flooding through the streets going house to house this year. This is dangerous for our children, but also for the people serving or NOT serving candy. It’s hard for kids to understand social distancing as is without throwing the idea of candy into the mix, so think about how trick-or-treating will impact your community and who will be at risk.
- Consider if it is better to celebrate your holiday from home
-
We cannot fully know the risks of celebrating Halloween normally this year. As such, wouldn’t the best approach be harm reduction? Halloween doesn’t have to be trick-or-treating. Have a nice dinner, ,a candy hunt outside or in your house Easter bunny style.
- Create new family traditions
-
Make Halloween exciting in new ways. Perhaps start celebrating Samhain and instead host a small family get-together, or watch a scary movie. You have control over what you do for Halloween, so choose new traditions when the old has become unsafe.
- Wear a mask, wear a mask, wear a mask!
-
Not one that is just part of a costume. If you decide to go out for Halloween, your priority is to protect other people. This is only possible if you follow safety protocols and wear a mask that is made for the purpose of blocking water particles from escaping and entering your mouth.
- Remember what feels safe to you, will not always feel safe for others
-
Do not be angry if people have their front lights off, or request people do not visit their houses for candy. Everyone has to consider what feels safe and comfortable for themselves, and even if you are not at risk doesn’t mean they aren’t.
Please stay safe this Halloween.