The 2020 pandemic has been the perfect setup for a real-life Halloween movie. On top of everything this year, Halloween is on a Saturday, during the end of Daylight Savings Time, all while showcasing a full moon. EEEK!! Even with the uncertainty surrounding this year’s festivities, you can still seek out the magic and fun. Here are a few ways to celebrate the night of the living undead safely. *Note: The ideas below are only suggestions. Please make your own choices based on what is best for you and your family.*
Keep it Nuclear Halloween Night-In
A few days ahead of time, set a dollar limit for your kids to shop for one another online. Place items in bags or buckets, and have the children swap Halloween pails. Candy can be fun, but there are plenty of art supplies, movies, books, and games to consider too!
The Addams Family
Invite your blood ties over for a night of pizza, movies, and good old fashioned pumpkin carving. The littles can exchange ghoulish baskets, while the family can enjoy some laughter and a bit of normalcy.
Neighborhood Night Watch
If you live in a neighborhood or have friends that have the ability to host a few families–social distancing style–around a bonfire and a movie projector, enjoy a night outside. Who knows, you could start a new tradition in your neighborhood for years to come! Depending on the number of families, each family could consider bringing a Halloween Piñata or a candy pail so that children can trick-or-treat within a smaller circle. For added precaution, have a hand sanitizing station, and clean your hands on your way in and on your way out.
No Tricks, Only Treats
Some families may opt to trick-or-treat this year. Thankfully there are safe ways to do it, and masks can really add to the costumes. If you are concerned about passing out candy directly, you can indirectly continue on the trick-or-treating tradition by leaving a candy bucket or individual baggies on your front stoop. If time and creativity allows, create a trending candy chute. Either option limits contact and exposure for all. Another precaution little trick-or-treaters can take is leaving the candy alone for three days, and/or wiping down surfaces prior to eating.
Graveyard Décor
Since ringing the doorbell is half the fun, opt to provide the Halloween experience for the trick-or-treaters by decorating your front yard instead. On a budget? You can create spooky lawn décor using items around the house, some old wood and a few power tools.
DIY Tombstones
Materials:
- Wood boards (wide)
- Wood boards (thin)
- Spray paint
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Miter saw
- Drill and screws
- Cut wood board into several rectangles. Cut corners of wood board pieces with miter saw in different angles.
2. Spray paint wood boards using various shades (black, gray, white). Let dry.
3. Cut thin boards into stakes and screw into the back of the tombstone.
4. Decorate tombstones with clever sayings and quotes.
5. Use a rubber mallet to hammer tombstones into grass. *Bonus: lawn aeration!
Pumpkin Carving Contest
When you bring out the pumpkins and the carving tools, a contest inevitably begins. Someone claims victory as the pumpkin king – typically repeat offenders. Since we all know the best pumpkin contest is looming anyway, make an award show out of it by giving out prizes, or craft paper medals for best in show.
Window Decorating
Minnesota is known for unpredictable weather on Halloween. Consider decorating the inside of your windows, and highlight decorations using LED lights. Place tables in front of windows or utilize basement ledges by adding light-up pumpkins and gnarled trees.
Eerie Music
YouTube has a lot of great options for frightening sounds. Add a whole other sensory level by using a small, portable speaker and place between the window screen and glass.
Inflatables
If it’s in the budget and storage space isn’t a problem, many places are offering intricate Halloween inflatables. Inflatables are a great way to fill up the yard and makes for a quick and easy clean up. Some inflatable favorites include smoke breathing options.
However you decide to celebrate Halloween, wishing you all a safe night. “Pleasant screams!”
