With the annual kaleidoscope of falling leaves and pumpkins lined up on front porches, Halloween is well and truly on its way! Things may look and feel very different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the holiday and have fun. To help with your plans, we’ve put together a list of simple ways you can Trick-or-Treat safely.
1. Follow your local public health guidelines.
These vary by region and should you be your first go to source for timely information and guidance. If you’re feeling even mildly ill or are quarantining after travelling stay home and do not distribute candy. There’s always next year.
2. 🎶I want candy!
If you are distributing candy in your neighbourhood, give out individually wrapped candy. Keep your distance by using tongs or attach a bucket to the end of a hockey stick (bonus: so Canadian)! And keep interactions brief - ideally less than 30 seconds.
Keeping a table between you and excited trick-or-treaters can also provide a visual reminder to respect social distancing.
If you’re feeling super creative, attach a candy chute to your porch steps or candy zipline from your porch to yard.
3. “I’ll take mine to go!”
Fill disposable cups or loot bags with treats and set them up on a Halloween-themed table in your driveway, yard or porch. Kids can pick up treats while minimizing contact.
4. Masks
Note that costume masks are not as effective at stopping the spread of COVID-19 as the face masks we’ve been getting used to wearing. Get creative with your costume this year and incorporate or decorate your regular cloth face mask. Beware that doubling up on masks could lead to breathing problems so try things out safely at home first. Face paint might be the way to go this year.
5. Bring hand sanitizer
You don’t necessarily need to use it between every house if your kids are only holding their candy bag and touching nothing else, but do break it out after ringing doorbells or touching railings and gates. Knocking might be a safer bet.
6. Costume parades
Organize a neighbourhood costume parade and show off your costumes with your neighbours! Just remember to keep your distance and watch out for traffic.
7. Haunted walk throughs
Open-air forest walk throughs and outdoor ghost tours can be a great way to enjoy a socially-distanced Halloween. Family-friendly tours usually reward kids with hidden treats as they walk the path. Note: not all tours are created equal. Don’t hesitate to ask organizers how they’re keeping visitors safe and remember that keeping your distance in small groups is key. Everyone should be wearing their face mask, even if you’re outdoors. Spooks lead to screams and screams lead to droplet spread!
8. Halloween candy hunt
Think Easter egg hunt, but with Halloween candy! Hide wrapped candies in your yard, house or apartment for family and roommates to find. Staying home doesn’t have to be a scary thought!
9. Meet up online
While Zoom might be one of the most terrifying words of 2020, many people will be having fun showing off their costumes, displaying pumpkin carvings and celebrating online with friends and family this year. To make things extra spooky, hang a sheet behind you and get creative with your background! There are lots of free templates available online.
By practicing these safe alternatives, we can all help flatten the curve and celebrate Halloween during COVID-19.