In years past, when I saw the different Halloween costumes at Costco in late August I would lament how early it seemed to be thinking about a holiday two months away. The prices of the costumes were great and the selection was decent, but what if my kids changed their minds as the big day approached? I knew I wasn't going to buy them a new outfit, but I sure as heck didn't want to listen to them complain or demand something new. This year the global health crisis has made everything different. If we have learned anything over the last eight months, it's that making plans is often futile. I wanted to assume our town could figure out a way to make trick-or-treating safe. I created scenarios in my head that would allow my kids to still enjoy their second favorite holiday. While I didn't entertain the idea of buying a costume in August I knew then that I was going to make Halloween happen for my kids despite not knowing what it would look like.
Since then, school has started and across the country, virus numbers are trending upwards again, but we are fortunate to live in Vermont, where our numbers have been consistently low and under control. Masks are nonnegotiable and the creativity of our leaders and community members has allowed outdoor events to happen while still maintaining the rules of social distancing.
A few weeks ago, my kids started to get excited about Halloween and were ready to commit to their costumes. They were also under the impression that the day could in no way be affected by a pandemic. I reminded them that the 4th of July celebrations were canceled and we may need to adjust our expectations with this holiday, too. While we would be outside, wearing masks, and probably winter gloves, trick-or-treating comes with crowds. Also, some houses may choose not to participate because of the health risks to the people living in them.
My kids know COVID-19 is still here, but they are also kids who expect certain kid staples, and pumpkins, costumes, and bags of candy are part of the deal. I am determined to give my kids one of their favorite holidays of the year. Besides how else am I going to have access to a fresh stash of chocolate? Even if we have to make adjustments by only visiting houses of other families who are set up outside and wearing masks or if the kids knock on our own door over and over, I am confident we can have a safe and fun Halloween.
The CDC guidelines indicate that traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, crowded hayrides with people not in your household, indoor haunted houses, and busy trunk-or-treat events are considered higher risks for spreading COVID-19. The lowest risks include having a movie night or scavenger hunt in your home with people you live with or carving pumpkins outside with friends who are at least 6 feet apart.
The CDC also suggests a virtual costume contest. We will be taking a moderate approach, which will include hand sanitizer, face masks, and open-air events without crowds where people can keep their distance. The CDC says that even if outdoors, haunted forests or scary movies that can cause screaming, which means that more than the recommended 6 feet should be kept when around people who don't live with you. Attending an event with a one-way walkthrough is also recommended.
Our town has already set up an outdoor walking loop that will have tents set up by businesses and community members who want to participate. Folks will decorate a 10-by-10 tent socially distanced from each other and will have candy set out to be snagged by groups who are registered to walk the loop together — and distanced from other groups.
We will also drive to some of our favorite neighborhoods and scope out what houses are also offering tables with treats vs. door-to-door interactions. And because I am a sucker for my kids when it comes to the holidays, we will likely splurge on candy sales on November 1. Sugar highs (and lows) will be had and there is nothing wrong with having one at a discounted rate. The key is to avoid indoor spaces, crowds, and people without masks. It's also important to remember how much our kids need normalcy.
Dr. Tista Ghosh, the former chief medical officer for Colorado, says, "I think completely taking away Halloween could be detrimental to some of the mental health issues that kids are facing right now." Dr. Ghosh suggests we "balance the risk of whatever activity they're doing with mental health risks as well, and look for ways to minimize risk rather than reduce risk to zero because that's just not possible."
Halloween still falls on October 31, but what that day will look like in the middle of a pandemic is still unclear, even as we approach the day with our plans in place. But one way or a socially distanced other, we will run amok.
