A Covid Halloween

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the US. Children wear costumes and go trick-or-treating, and adults get dressed up and go to themed parties. All our lives have changed dramatically in the last 7 months, which means our usual traditions need a little change too. Anthony J. D'Angelo once said, ¨don't fear change - embrace it.¨ In times like these, that is exactly what we should do, not sulk because we can do the same things as before, but find new ways to have fun and enjoy ourselves.

Some communities have canceled trick-or-treating or discourage it, but others allow it as long as you wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid contact with anyone who appears to have symptoms, and wash your hands as soon as you get home. 

 Owen Walter, a sophomore at HF said, “I'm going to wear a mask, and I probably won't go door to door.” Other communities are finding ways to make it safer for kids in their communities. One Dad in Ohio made a candy chute for contactless trick-or-treating, while others are making catapults and ziplines.

Some people are finding different ways to celebrate Halloween than their usual parties and pumpkin picking. Maggie Keys, a sophomore at HF, said, “Last year I hung out with 15 or so people, but this year I'm hanging out with 5 close friends, and we were all wearing masks.” 

Many small outdoor gatherings are being held since it allows people to be safe and still have fun. Drive-thru haunted houses are popular as well as corn-mazes, outdoor movies, and zoom Halloween parties since they can be done while social distancing.

Whether you're having a trick-or-treat drive-by or flying a candy drone, I think we can all agree that Halloween is going to be very different this year, but it doesn't have to be less fun.