Check out these fun tips for celebrating your socially-distanced Halloween...

We know you’ve heard it a million times before, but this year has been like no other. Due to the pandemic, we’ve had to forego seeing many of our friends and family, eating at our favorite restaurants, and even planning the much needed getaway vacations. However, we believe there’s still hope and room to celebrate this holiday season--despite any uncertainty the future may hold.

Though traditional trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, and other activities may not be an option this year, you can still celebrate October 31st in a great way--while keeping yourself and your family safe and socially-distanced. So, turn that frown upside down, pick out your favorite costumes, and gather the kids for these spooky tips for celebrating Halloween at home.

1. Indoor Dash

One of the most fantastic and whimsical aspects of Halloween has always been the joy and mystery of “trick-or-treat.” With the option essentially null-in-void, we’ve come up with a bit of an alternative, that may just keep your little one satisfied until next year. As always, this starts with the perfect costume, some candy, imagination, and potentially a little help.

Design your home in spooky decor and darken the hallways to your desired effect. Dress your little one up as well--and be sure they have a big bag for candy. Have a member of your family behind each door of your home, and prepared with a special treat--tailormade for your child(ren).

Repeat with every door in your home (or circle around to the same door, and have your family member play a different character each time). Do this until your little monsters’ bag is full and then reap the sweet rewards of their favorite treats. For extra fun, play some spooky music and be sure to make each ‘trick-or-treat’ its own new experience--fuzzy werewolves, bumbling mummies, or even their favorite character-- the world is your candy bar.

2. Candy Scavenger Hunt

If indoor ‘trick-or-treat’ sounds like a bit too much, then we’ve got a simpler alternative. Instead of visiting door-to-door, turn your child’s Halloween into the ultimate quest for sweets. When they’re not looking, or when they’re napping, get your bag of treats and set about hiding them throughout your home--be sure to keep it all a secret. Take note of where every piece of ‘treasure’ is, and think of fun clues to help them set about the journey. Now, you’re the game-master!

At the end of the day, or whenever you would usually ‘trick or treat’ have your child dress up and then reveal your great secret, “There’s candy hidden all over the house, and it’s your job to find it all.” After their excitement cools off, give them a few clues to begin--for extra fun, create your own character to function as their guide. You could even facetime friends and family, to assist them with clues, tips, smiles, and even costumes and characters of their own. Just be sure you’re the only one who knows where all the candy is hidden. It’s an old-school game, with a new spooky twist.

3. Costumed Video Calls

Speaking of video calls, why not have the whole community show off their awesome costumes via video chat? In lieu of door-to-door and scavenger hunts, you can have communal fun with friends and family--all dressed up to celebrate the occasion. Using your phone, tablet, or other you and your child(ren) can spook them all, get spooked back, and even have a digital costume contest or dance party.

Halloween photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

For more fun, challenge them to stay in-character while playing Halloween-themed card games, carving pumpkins, eating oodles of candy, doing a fun-art project, or just about anything that you can think of--all while enjoying your virtual company as they do the same. It may not be the Halloween of yesteryear, but it might just be a little better for their teeth.

4. Go Ghosting

If you’ve just ‘gotta get out of the house’ or simply enjoy the festive spirit of community that comes with Halloween, then we’ve got a fun activity that you, your neighbors, and parents in your network can all do together. Go ‘ghosting’. What is “ghosting,” you ask? Well, we’re glad you did.

Have a member of your friends and family circle put together an incredible bag of candy (extra points if the bag is custom made). They’ll knock three times and disappear, leaving the bag of treats at the front of your door, with a note simply reading “Pass it on.”

Your child will be thrilled at the discovery, and likely urge you to follow the rules (which you all should plan ahead). Keep the candy, refill your own crafted or purchased bag, and ‘ghost’ the next parent in line. It’s both a fun arts and crafts project, as well as a sweet, sweet, mystery.

5. Cook + Game

If you’re looking for a low-key Halloween celebration, we understand. Why not try cooking some creepy treats and munching down with your kids while playing their favorite game? You can dress up for the occasion and even throw together a spooky playlist to set the mood.

For recipe ideas, visit websites like Brit, Tasty, or Hershey--the candy master’s themselves. Additionally, there are tons of recipes for monster cookies, ghost brownies, spider cupcakes, fire donuts, and so much more all at the click of a button.

After dinner, intensify your night with a solid board game or a video game tournament. Get mysterious with a round of Clue or join forces to fight ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion 3. Be sure to check out one of our slipcovers, to keep everything tidy while you snack and scare yourselves all night long.

6. Movie Night

Whether you’re up for thrills or chills, you can always gather your household for a good old fashioned movie marathon. Streaming sites like Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu, offer special categories to commemorate Halloween, and it’s a simple way to fill up your night with quality entertainment.

Watch a feel-good movie to fend off the spooks or enjoy your favorite characters as they outrun monsters and other ghoulies. We recommend classics like “Hocus Pocus,” “Halloweentown,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and newcomer “Hotel Transylvania.” But feel free to make a hit-list all your own.

 Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

If you have a backyard, you can even set up your own outdoor movie theatre, using a projector and a bed sheet. Break out some chairs, your favorite blanket, and the biggest bowl of your favorite treat to enjoy.

We know you’ve heard it a million times, and it’s true. This year is like no other and Halloween is no exception. However, with this nifty list of tips, tricks, and spooky halloween-ideas--being ‘like no other’ doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. With a little effort, it can still be magical. 

As always, we’ve got you covered.

 Happy Halloween,

 -- GBH