Halloween is coming up faster than ever. Back at the beginning of the year, nobody thought it'd be a question as to whether or not kids got to celebrate it. In fact, there were memes going around saying that this was the perfect year for the holiday. For one, it falls on a Saturday. Secondly, there's daylight saving time that'll add some time to the festivities. And finally? A full moon. What more could you ask for?
That said, one of the biggest traditions for Halloween is going trick-or-treating door to door. Usually, it's a wonderful time to meet your neighbors. But since March, interactions like this have been somewhat frowned upon. And because the virus is still a big threat, you and your kids may be wondering how this will all work. For one, it seems like neighborhoods may make their own call. You can predict a smaller number of kids this year, for sure. And, there's a good chance that masks will be involved with a child's costume choice.
No matter what, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate the holiday in a safe way. But if you're anticipating some questions from your kids the second October hits, here are some good answers to have on hand.
'Is Halloween Canceled?'
The answer? No. No virus will take down an entire holiday. It just might look a little different, kind of like Easter. Nevertheless, there is one advantage that Halloween has over Easter — in the time between, we've learned a lot more about the virus and know better ways to stay safe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a mask that's at least two layers is a great way to stop the spread. So if you have an approved mask as part of your costume and try to socially distance from neighbors, it's possible to still go trick-or-treating.
If you don't feel comfortable with that, there's nothing wrong with buying some candy and having a scary movie party at home with your family. And, nothing should stop you from decorating and getting into the holiday spirit.
'Is The Candy Safe To Eat?'
Every year, parents should be checking out the candy their kids get — and not just to steal some of the good chocolates. Growing up, we've learned to never take candy from strangers, so Halloween in general seems like an odd change of pace. The Food and Drug Administration states that there's no connection between food and the virus, which is positive news. Just make sure, like always, the candy received is properly wrapped and not loose.
'Are Certain Areas Safer Than Others?'
According to USA Today, an interactive map has been created by the Halloween & Costume Association (which apparently is something that exists) and Harvard Global Health Institute. Residents can open the map and see if they live in a high-risk area. For some people, this may help them make the final decision on trick-or-treating. The publication reports that the higher risk areas include parts of North Dakota and South Dakota, along with a few other states in the Southwest.
'How Can I Hand Out Candy Safely?'
There's one troublesome predicament that many parents are already thinking about. What if a kid approaches the door who isn't wearing a mask? If you're a parent who's really been taking these precautions seriously, it may scare you out of participating.
As a compromise, this may be a good year for the "Take One" basket outside. You can create little goody bags for kids to enjoy and feel as if you're celebrating safely. Worried about kids being greedy? It might happen, but most will probably follow the protocol. Or, you can just turn off your porch light if you're not feeling it this year. It's OK to sit this one out.
'Are There Any Costumes That Are Off-Limits?'
As always, it's never OK to wear a costume that mocks or makes light of someone's culture. There are so many wonderful ideas to choose from, so it's important to choose something that won't hurt someone or make people think twice. These types of costumes aren't edgy — they're just offensive.
That said, it may be wise to avoid any costume that's directly related to the virus. While it's put our country in a rough spot this year, it's important to remember that many of your neighbors have lost someone they loved. And, it may have happened recently. So, it may be good to choose something else this year, just to be on the safe side. (Plus, it's a holiday — let's all try to stay safe and not mention the virus more than we have to.)
'Are We Having a Party?'
Halloween is typically a great holiday for gathering friends and family members. It's especially important for younger kids. Being able to see your friends in costume can be really special. Plus, there are plenty of spooky and eerie appetizers and treats to make and pass around.
By now, your kids may understand that parties aren't the best idea. But, that doesn't mean that the kids can't see each other in costume. If you have a kid-friendly neighborhood, suggest putting on a socially distanced parade around the block. If you have a common area, you can also host something outside if you feel like it'd work and everyone will follow the rules.
'Can I Go to My Friend's Party?'
This one may be the hardest question of all. As parents, we never want our children to miss out, especially when it's an opportunity to be social. But, keep in mind that other parents are going through this same dilemma.
The truth of the matter is, the virus is still out there. People are still getting sick and spreading germs to their loved ones. Some of them aren't strong enough to power through. You might need to be a "mean parent" this year and tell your kids it's not a great idea.
But because we're so far into living life this way, it's possible the party-holder is someone you trust. Or, someone who's already in your bubble. Usually, if a parent is having an event of some sort, they'll go over all of the precautions they're planning to take. Even letting you know about their plan of action ahead of time is a way to feel confident that this is also a concern on their end. It's important to know how many people plan on attending, and whether or not a majority of the event is outdoors. These factors will help you make your final decision.
