How to Stay Safe During Halloween This Year

Halloween is fast approaching and many parents are worried about what the holiday will look like this year. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a major threat and will likely continue through the rest of the year. How can we keep our children safe but still manage to have fun?

It’s important to start with identifying high-risk activities. Luckily, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed a list noting the most high-risk and low-risk activities associated with the holiday.

For example, the CDC notes that traditional door-to-door trick or treating should be avoided. Only go to houses that have individually-wrapped bags of candy and only go in one direction to avoid making contact with others. Your average costume party should also be put on the back burner. If you want to hold a costume contest, do one virtually or with your close family to avoid spreading the virus.

While Halloween will look a little different this year, we can still have fun. Just be sure that you and your ex-spouse are on the same page. As many as 45% of marriages end in divorce and one parent’s safety concerns might not line up with another’s.

That being said, here are some of the best ways to make the most of the season.

Decorate pumpkins

Going to a pumpkin patch can be a great socially distant activity as long as you’re wearing your masks and staying away from others. Pick your favorite pumpkins and bring them home to carve on Halloween! You can have fun trying out different designs and even offer a prize to the best pumpkin.

If you’re not into carving pumpkins, why not paint them? Get your favorite acrylic paint to create fun patterns or spooky scenery. You’ll get into the Halloween spirit, especially if you pair this event with watching a movie. For those who still want to see their friends, meeting up in a backyard or local park can be a great way to maintain social distancing.

Hold a virtual Halloween contest

Nothing beats getting together with your best pals, but COVID-19 has prevented us from seeing our favorite people. If you hold an annual Halloween party, it might be better to hold a virtual costume contest this year.

This could actually be the best way to hold a costume contest. By highlighting one person at a time, each friend gets their time in the spotlight. Here, they can zoom in on different aspects of their costume. It also means that they don’t need to travel and put the integrity of their costume at risk. After all, the threat of rain and getting in and out of cars can ruin anyone’s costume. Get creative with Zoom backgrounds or have a blast setting up a backdrop in your living room to set the stage.

Get creative with your sweets and treats

Halloween is all about getting candy from other people but, at the end of the day, we can’t trust your neighbors to keep us safe. There’s no way of knowing whether your neighbors have washed their hands before putting together goodie bags for the kids. They might also not practice social distancing at all. The fact of the matter is this: going to your neighbor’s house is just unsafe at this time.

Instead of relying on others for treats, why not make your own? There are countless fall-themed flavors to experiment with. Apple, pumpkin, cinnamon, clove: try using these flavors in cookies, cakes, and other concoctions. Plus, you get the added bonus of getting to eat your hard work. Just be sure to help your child brush their teeth at the end of the night. Most kids need help brushing their teeth until they’re five. Keep them healthy, even if you’re indulging in some tasty treats.

Staying safe this Halloween

The pandemic is certainly going to change what Halloween looks like this year, but there are other safety concerns to remember. For example, drinking tends to increase around the holidays. A DUI conviction could last you more than two years in prison. While you’re out trick or treating, be sure to stay vigilant and watch out for any cars that are driving erratically. If you’re one of the ones drinking during the holidays, be sure to rely on rides instead of driving your own car.

Even though the allure of costume parties and trick or treating is tempting, staying safe should be your top priority. Rely on these tips to make the most of the Halloween season.