There will be far fewer porch lights on this Halloween compared to years past. There will be far fewer kids trick-or-treating, too. Some counties have already released orders canceling the candy-collecting tradition and any spooky get-togethers, leaving parents wondering just how to celebrate the once-loved holiday.

It feels as though this is all one giant trick, but it’s not, and we have to find ways to make Halloween fun - even if it will be completely different this year.

Celebrating Halloween During COVID

There needs to be a build-up. You need to change the mindset from 'losing the typical Halloween traditions' to 'this is going to be so much.' To do this, you need more than just a weekend of fun.

Spend the Entire Month of October Celebrating at Home.

• Create a list of Halloween-inspired movies to watch together.
• Bake up all of the tasty treats you can.
• Read all of the Halloween books! If any are too scary, save them for the daytime… no one wants nightmares!
• Wear costumes as often as possible, even into the grocery store. (You too, Mom.) Our lives need more fun in them; BE THE FUN IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW.
• Carve multiple pumpkins and decorate your house like never before!

Host a Neighborhood Costume Parade.

Ask neighbors to grab their lawn chairs (and adult beverages) and let the kids parade up and down the street. You can have each house set out specific goody-bags, too! The kids can stop at each driveway and grab one as they parade. Make sure you have great music for the event. (Get even more creative and let the kids each ‘perform’ for a minute or two before the next child walks.)

Host a Virtual Halloween Party

Zoom has become the most popular platform for kids to gather on, and you may choose to use it on Halloween, too. Send out your invitations now and start planning because a virtual party isn’t a procrastinator’s dream. You will need to plan crafts and activities ahead of time for this one! Create a bag of essentials (craft supplies, game rules, etc) and drop them off at each party guest’s house about a week in advance. Have everyone dress up and log in. You can tell spooky stories, teach a zombie dance move, complete a craft, and vote for the best costume!

Have the Candy Witch Pay Your House a Visit.

The Candy Witch can choose to fill a bucket with candy if it is left out empty overnight. Perhaps, she will only fill it if there is a spooky Halloween story, poem, or letter attached to it? (Aren’t we all looking for educational moments right now?)

Your witch may decide to have a scavenger hunt to find the candy that she leaves at your house! She may toilet paper your kids’ rooms, spider web the hallway, or leave green jello out for breakfast. You can get as creative as you want with it.

Halloween will only be as fun as you make it this year, so pull out your magic wand and start pulling those tricks out of your sleeve!