Halloween Things To Do During a Pandemic

The pandemic is forcing everyone to find safe and creative ways to celebrate Halloween. For millions of us, finding Halloween things to do will bring a sense of normalcy and comfort after a difficult seven months.

While some experts claim trick or treating is safe, I am not sure psychologically everyone feels safe doing it. However, people understand the importance of celebrating safely and responsibly. The goodies we’ve come to enjoy and associate with the season can still remain a part of the Halloween experience.

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Halloween During a Pandemic

A survey asking 1300+ U.S. residents about Halloween things to do during Covid-19 shows:

Wearing costumes will still happen with 39% of respondents, as it did last year. All other Halloween activities, however, will not be as popular this year. Home decorating will still go on but slightly less popular this year.

Many are forgoing any Halloween things to do year. Still, several as still planning on attending Halloween events, such as a friend or family Halloween party, visiting a haunted house, or engaging in a community event. Visiting a corn maze increased in popularity given its moderate risk activity.

In Canada, a national survey of 2,289 adults, including 533 parents with children aged 18 and under, was commissioned by Food, Health and Consumer Products (FHCP) and Retail Council of Canada (RCC). It showed that 79% of parents with younger children plan to maintain the tradition of celebrating.

Trick or Treating

Last year, 78% of parents went trick-or-treating with their children. That has dropped to 52% of parents this year. Those that aren’t going rate the top reasons as being:

safety concerns around COVID-19
local physical distancing policies
no interest
local mask-wearing policies hindering them from celebrating the event

Parents that are allowing their children to go trick-or-treating will require them to wear a protective face mask – not to be confused with decorative face masks. However, some 23% do not plan on their children wearing masks, while the remaining 14% are unsure.

Child in ghost costume trick or treating

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Shopping at Big Box Stores

The majority of respondents are planning on buying Halloween candy. Although this year has seen a record number of online shopping, even in the face of COVID-19, most respondents will shop for candy in person, with the clear majority preferring to opt for big box stores over drugstores or local or chain grocery stores.

Retailers have begun to display and offer treats, decorations and costumes earlier this year. This allows families to shop in advance of October 31, avoiding line-ups, providing more time to pre-plan for this special celebration.

Contactless Halloween Things To Do

Halloween lovers found creative ways to celebrate the season while staying safe. There are plenty of fun and unique contactless Halloween things to do that can work for you and your family, while still adhering to public health recommendations:

Showcase Halloween craft projects on your porch and in your front windows
Drop treats on your neighbour’s doorsteps, ring the bell, and run away! Make sure to include a spooky note letting your neighbour know they’re from you
Set up a piñata at home filled with your favourite treats
Leave treats outside your house, wrapped in goodies bags for trick or treaters to take away safely
Set up a treat hunt around your home; goodies can be hidden in secret spots, or use bedroom, and closet doors as trick-or-treat stations
Have fun with decorations all month long, inside and out
Craft a countdown calendar – pick a fun Halloween activity to do each day or each weekend in October leading up to the big day
Organize a physically distanced costumes parade with a few of your neighbours and keep the treats at home to enjoy afterwards
Plan a haunted walk in costumes and with flashlights
Set up Halloween craft stations on the big day, for crafts, Halloween makeup, and include a pumpkin carving contest at home

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Virtual Celebrations

While virtual Halloween things to do is still picking up, it is a very safe way to celebrate the event. Connect with friends and family over Zoom or Facebook to:

Throw virtual costume contests
Encourage children to show off their costumes and talk about their favourite treats
Eat candy and tell ghost stories
Host an online Halloween movie marathon watch party
Play online murder trivia with friends
Online community get-togethers

The Gist of it

There’s no need to cancel out the 2020 Halloween season even if your plans include staying home. Ensuring memorable Halloween things to do just calls for some creativity and, of course, treats. Whether you opt for a virtual or contactless celebrations, there are plenty of safe options to help you celebrate the season.

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