There’s no doubt that Halloween will be different this year but even with the COVID monster lurking in our communities, there are still tons of safe ways to celebrate the spookiest night of the year.
With a few adjustments and some new ideas for “Spooktacular” activities, we’ll keep that Grinchy COVID from stealing Halloween away. Check out alternative ideas here:
Hold a virtual Halloween celebration
It’s become the norm these days to have virtual gatherings, so why not a Halloween party?
Send out an invitation and link to family and friends. Invite “guests” to use a Halloween background on their screen, come in full costume and make-up (dressing up is half the fun) and maybe participate in a house decorating contest. Other Halloween game/activity ideas:
· Bobbing for apples - yes it’s old school, but it’s still fun!
· Dressing a mummy, (Wrap a person in toilet paper and see who is finished first or who has the most fashionable mummy outfit)
· Organize a spooky, scavenger hunt – the winner is the first to find, something slimy, something sweet, something spooky, something sticky, something shiny, something smelly
· Have a Dance Party with Freeze Dance to Halloween or spooky music like Thriller, Monster Mash etc. (call out different Halloween-inspired emotions they must imitate when they are “frozen”) You can stream music for free here
· Each family take turns telling spooky stories, turn off the lights and use flashlights to shine on your faces to add a spooky effect
Have a scary movie marathon
Grab a bowl of treats (not candy corn, that would be gross) and your comfy blanket to cover your eyes (for the scary parts) and settle in front of the TV for a scary movie marathon. Here are some suggestions:
The Nightmare Before Christmas
And…when you’re ready to turn up the scariness level a few notches – there’s always these seriously, scary flicks:
To help keep the festivities as safe as possible, the Durham Region Health Department recommends some of these activities:
Making your own treats at home with your family instead of going out.
Decorating your house, or even have a contest with your neighbours. Remember to physically distance if you’re not part of the same household and wear a non-medical mask or face covering if you can’t keep two meters (six feet) apart.
Hosting a virtual Halloween celebration for family and friends, and those who are feeling unwell.
Planning a fun outdoor activity such as a scavenger hunt with those in your household.
If you do plan to go door-to-door trick or treating remember to:
Stay home if you are sick or if you have symptoms – even if you have mild symptoms.
Only go out with members of your direct household, remain within your community, and stay two metres (six feet) apart.
Only trick or treat outside.
Wear a non-medical mask or face covering. Remember, a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it hard to breathe.
Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps. Line up two metres (six feet) apart if waiting.
Be respectful of households that are not handing out treats this year.
If you are planning to hand out treats:
Do not hand out treats if you’re sick or even if you have mild symptoms.
Whether you’re collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer.
Do not distribute homemade goods.
Avoid over-handling of the treats you are handing out (e.g. putting several small items into one bag).
Distribute treats at the end of the driveway to avoid crowding and close contact at your front door.
Consider using tongs, or other similar tools to hand out treats.
Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when physical distancing is a challenge.
Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab.
Try to disinfect any high-touch areas, such as handrails, doors, doorbells or doorknobs often.
We’d love to hear how you are celebrating Halloween during COVID. Share with us in the Comments below and don’t forget to stay safe!