Perhaps, the biggest statement we can make on Halloween (and beyond) is to stay safe. More than ever the “trick” is to keep wearing the mask before, during, and, yes, after the celebration is over. Keeping our children and families virus-free is the “treat” this year. That’s because the biggest and scariest monster we face this Halloween is so tiny yet so deadly. An invisible, microscopic, pathogen that wears no mask, travels silently through the air, invades our noses, sneaks into our throats, suffocates our lungs, and takes control of our bodies. How is that for scary! (Even Jason, Chucky, and Freddy Kruger seem less frightening comparatively).

And while we are at it—we can now add “coughing and sneezing” to the sounds that can haunt us this Halloween–and the entire holiday season. So, how do we not terrify ourselves into never celebrating Halloween again? How do we preserve what has been a traditionally fun time for our children and families? Like everything else with COVID 19, we are challenged to practice risk-mitigation (not risk-elimination) if we want to enjoy Halloween–or anything else these days.

If we must go out, here are some creative from NY State’s COVID safety website that will allow us and our families to maximize our safety (and community safety) on Halloween:

• Organize a virtual Halloween costume party with costumes and games.

•Have a neighborhood car parade or vehicle caravan where families show off their costumes while staying socially distanced and remaining in their cars.

• In cities or apartment buildings, communities can come together to trick-or-treat around the block or other outdoor spaces so kids and families aren’t tempted to trick-or-treat inside – building residents & businesses can contribute to treats that are individually wrapped and placed on a table(s) outside of the front door of the building, or in the other outdoor space for grab and go trick-or-treating.

• Make this year even more special and consider non-candy Halloween treats that your trick-or-treaters will love, such as spooky or glittery stickers, magnets, temporary tattoos, pencils/ erasers, bookmarks, glow sticks, or mini notepads.

• Create a home or neighborhood scavenger hunt where parents or guardians give their kids candy when they find each “clue.”

• Go all out to decorate your house this year – have a neighborhood contest for the best-decorated house.

• Carve and decorate pumpkins at home – try some new creative ideas and have a family contest.

• Play Halloween-themed games with members of your household.

• Watch spooky movies at home, of course.

• Trick-or-treat room to room in your home.

And while you are out trick or treating here are a couple of DON’T’s that you and your family should be sure to keep in mind.

• DON’T participate in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed out at the door and where you cannot stay socially distanced.

• DONT pick out candy from a bowl or receive candy directly from someone’s hands.

• DON’T wear a Halloween mask instead of a face-covering unless the Halloween mask meets the face-covering guidance.

• DONT wear a Halloween costume mask OVER a cloth face mask; it can make it difficult to breathe. Consider skipping the costume mask this year and choose a cloth safety face mask that compliments your costume or is Halloween-themed.

However you decide to celebrate Halloween this year, please remember that you can indeed have fun and stay safe! Until next time, be well—and don’t remove the mask after Halloween!

If you or anyone you know happens to be struggling with how to navigate the Fall and Winter holidays and celebrations, be sure to contact a Full Circle counselor. We would be happy to help you navigate life through these scary times.

Take care and be blessed.