Although COVID-19 will prevent us from participating in traditional practices such as trick or treating this Halloween, here are a number of ideas that can help make your holiday enjoyable
Although this year has been frightening, nothing could be scarier than the possible cancellation of America’s favorite day of fright. According to CNN, over 172 million Americans celebrate Halloween, and all of these people may have to miss out on their beloved celebration this year.
Halloween is a day when family and friends come together to dress up, eat junk food and take part in the many different traditions which include trick or treating, dressing up in costumes or watching scary movies. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, the holiday festivities will look very different this year. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has advised against door to door trick or treating and has banned parties, haunted houses and festivals.
There are normally over 1,200 haunted attractions across the country open for the Halloween season, according to American Haunts. It has become especially popular for amusement parks in the months of September and October to incorporate a Halloween theme. However, all of these attractions are now closed.
Rebecca Heaton, a sophomore nursing student, said that some of her family’s traditions are to decorate their house, go trick or treating, attend a scare night at an amusement park and have a party with friends. Unfortunately, most of these traditions are not possible this year.
“[I’m] bummed because the atmosphere of Halloween is so fun. It is a time when strangers can come together and celebrate,” Heaton said.
So, has the pandemic demolished these traditions that bring everyone together?
There are many traditions that can still take place this year with some creative twists. Activities and games such as cooking themed food, pumpkin carving and costume contests can still be done with your household or over Zoom.
One positive outcome of quarantine was that many people tried new hobbies and were forced to get more creative. This same concept can be applied to Halloween traditions.
People love traditions because they bring us comfort and remind us of good times. However, creating new traditions is an opportunity for individuals to escape and have a night of fun as the pandemic continues.
COVID-19 has already created some new traditions. Many people now participate in drive-by parties for birthdays as well as family Zoom sessions. As the holiday season approaches, it is clear that families will not be able to celebrate together as they normally would, but it is likely that older traditions will be set aside for newer onesc.
However, that does not mean that classic Halloween traditions such as trick or treating, which over 40 million children participate in each year, will not be missed.
“It can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure that everyone answering or coming to the door is appropriately masked to prevent disease spread, and because sharing food is risky,” LA County wrote in a statement.
The beauty of trick or treating is being able to interact with neighbors in a positive way. Instead of going door to door, create a candy scavenger hunt around the neighborhood that will allow you to admire any Halloween decor put up and perhaps allow you to greet neighbors.
Another famous tradition is dressing up. One thing that we are all very familiar with recently is masks. Masks have been worn on Halloween for years, so consider decorating masks with your family to match your costume.
The drive-in theater has experienced a surge in business as a result of the virus, and it is a good place to look for Halloween entertainment. Some places are providing an interactive drive-thru experience.
It is important to remember that we are all in this together. Holidays are important to celebrate because they provide us with a break. Though it may be tempting to throw out any Halloween celebrations this year, take advantage of the season and make new traditions that will provide your family and friends with lifelong memories.