By now, we all know that Halloween will look different this year. We’ve already had to think of alternative ways to make Easter, summer break, the Fourth of July, birthdays, and even the return to school fun while still social distancing. I refuse to miss out on all the fun the fall season has to offer, so let me share with you what we have up our sleeves for celebrating Halloween in a pandemic!
Celebrating Halloween in a Pandemic
Create a “thriller, thriller night.”
You sang that line, didn’t you? We have decided to set up the projector in the backyard and get a fun Halloween movie going on the big screen while dressed in costume. Our oldest is four and we are big Disney fans, so we are thinking The Nightmare Before Christmas. There are many other great options out there like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Hocus Pocus, Casper, Beetlejuice, Goosebumps, and The Addams Family. You could also opt for some of the classic horror films if you have an older crowd. If you are more of the fun-loving type, show the “Thriller” video and learn the dance with all your friends. Go all out and add a concession stand or a ticket booth for even more fun. Invite friends and family over and set out socially distanced blankets or tables and chairs.
Share the Spook!
You may have already heard of sharing the spooky spirit by dropping Halloween goodies on the doorsteps of your neighbors and friends then leaving the “You’ve been BOO-ed” sign for them to pass it on. We will definitely be taking part in this fun tradition. There’s a new kid in town, though. Have you seen the adult adaptation to this? I know a few people that would love to get “BOO-zed.” Instead of candy for the kids, drop off a favorite bottle of wine, champagne, or spirits for the parents. Check out the links above for easy, free printables.
Make some “no-trick treats.”
Celebrate the entire weekend, week, or even month by planning out different treats to share with your little ones. Try spooky cupcakes, pumpkin bread, or ghostly pancakes. There are so many cute ideas on Pinterest. Remember, this is the only holiday that Pinterest fails may actually work in your favor! Turn those runny, messed up icing creations into zombies if you need to!
A few other ideas are to create a Halloween playlist like this one. You can make fun and easy fall crafts and decorate your house, inside and out. We always put up a “Trick-or-Treat” tree in the playroom for extra fun! Do a glow-in-the-dark Halloween egg hunt with leftover eggs from Easter. Participate in a distanced costume parade or a drive-by trunk-or-treat. Try trick-or-treating inside your house with a new surprise behind every door. We have a post coming up about how to trick-or-treat safely this year, so make sure to check it out too. Also, remember to research events before you go. The pumpkin patch, corn maze, and haunted house may have different rules from last year and may be operating on a completely different schedule, or closed altogether. Lastly, don’t forget those “oh-so-loved” fall festivals and pumpkin patches. Many will be open for fall fun! See our list here.
Happy Quarantine-O-Ween! Tell us how you plan to celebrate Halloween in a pandemic.
