Kids love the magic of Halloween, but the COVID-19 pandemic means Halloween may be a bit different again this year. Don’t worry, you can still have fun! Here are a few of our favorite (safe) ideas for Halloween 2021.
Boo a Friend: Ghosting has become a popular tradition over the years, and it’s a great way to show people you’re thinking of them even if you can’t hang out in person. Here’s how it works: You make a bag of Halloween-themed goodies and leave it on a friend’s or neighbor’s doorstep with a note that says they have been booed and encourages them to “Boo” someone else.
Watch a Spooky Movie: There’s certainly no shortage of Halloween movies to rent or watch On Demand. From family friendly classics (Hocus Pocus, Casper) to horror flicks (Halloween, Silence of the Lambs), there’s something for everyone. Or, if you are comfortable doing so, you could go to the theater this year and see The Addams Family 2!
Play Halloween Music: There’s never a bad time for a dance party, and streaming services like Spotify always create Halloween playlists that feature throwbacks like “Thriller” and newer jams like “Midnight City.”
Distribute Candy at a Distance: If you think you’ll have trick-or-treaters but you’re uncomfortable having them at your door, leave a bowl of candy in your driveway with a bottle of hand sanitizer (and a sign suggesting they use it).
A few basic Halloween safety rules:
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks.
- When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first.
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds.
- If older children are going alone, plan a route acceptable to parents and specific time children should return home.
- Teach children to never enter a stranger’s home or car.
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends.
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home.
- Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
Covid safety tips for trick-or-treating:
- First and foremost, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to ensure your celebrations are safe.
- Correctly wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home.
- Avoid confined spaces (indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing).
- Avoid close contact. Stay at least 6 feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household.
- Wash or sanitize your hands often. Pump hand sanitizer before grabbing candy from a bowl.
- Clean frequently touched items regularly.
- If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID, stay home and away from others.