The pandemic has forced many safety concerns for those who are celebrating Halloween this year. But Halloween isn’t cancelled, it will just be more creative than ever.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that citizens make safety their top priority for Halloween. The outline for considerations for events and gatherings includes: Community levels of COVID-19, the location and duration of the gathering, the number of people and their behaviors before and during the event.
People who celebrate Halloween still can do so from the comfort of their home while reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19. Families that stay home also don’t have to sort through bags of candy in fear of their child being poisoned or contaminated.
Abrianna Simmons, a mother with a two-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, looks forward to a safe Halloween at home.
“I am excited to celebrate Halloween at home with my finance and kids,” Simmons said. “My home is my safe haven. Since we’re in a pandemic, I don’t feel society’s pressure of taking my kids trick-or-treating. I thought my son would be upset, but he is optimistic after I shared with him our family fun filled activities.”
This Halloween creativity can be showcased online like never before. Unique costumes, videos, and art will blast social-media platforms. On Tik Tok, the hashtag “#Halloween2020,” has gained 892 million views before Halloween. The hashtag is projected to gain more users come Oct. 31 as people are able to showcase their talents worldwide and provide entertainment from the safety of their homes.
Quintin Rowman, a senior at Albany State University, plans to create a unique device for Halloween.
“At my apartment, I plan to create a spooky ghost that will distribute candy to trick-or-treaters,” Rowman said. “I will build it with vinyl pipes, plywood and electrical components that will allow it to move. Then I will decorate it with a cloth to mimic a ghost’s body. It will be spooky and creative. I plan to post everyone’s reactions on social media.”
According to healthychildren.org, there are many ways to have fun for Halloween while staying safe.
Having virtual costume parties with family and friends is one way to remain safe for Halloween. This allows several people to connect through virtual platforms like Zoom, FaceTime and Microsoft Teams. A virtual costume party can still include prizes like one held-in person. Monetary rewards can be sent worldwide through platforms like CashApp and Zelle. Virtual costume parties can teach us to be creative and most importantly, the significance of protecting ourselves and others.
Today’s technology has made it possible to celebrate holidays during a pandemic. This Halloween will alter many traditions and may create a new normal for future holiday gatherings.