Throughout these long months of struggle we have all endured and are still facing due to COVID-19, it’s evident that many simply want to have fun again, especially with the holiday season’s rapid approach. However, traditional holiday activities are currently infeasible, as Halloween is expected to look very different this year under the circumstances of the virus and its safety regulations.

Trick-or-treat, Halloween is already here! On October 31st, a Saturday and blue full-moon, the nationally observed holiday will occur, but under conditions that look a little different.

Since mid-March, we have adapted to the new ways of life amidst this challenging time. For example, when going out in public, it has become an instinct to put on a mask and constantly sanitize. Thus, as these regulations are with reason, it is important to discover new ways to safely celebrate, without taking away an ounce of fun.

Though it is highly recommended to participate in a safe, quarantined activity, many may still find it necessary to host or attend parties. Being mindful about the circumstances regarding any events planned to attend is beyond important. Do your part and try your best to keep yourself and others safe. It is best to adhere to advisements and regulations such as social distancing, wearing a mask, washing hands & constantly sanitizing, and not sharing anything or making contact with anyone.

The most important thing to note is the subtle and down-played danger COVID-19 still potentially has among everyone. While it is imagined to be a virus contracted with interactions with strangers or public places, the threat goes beyond this. Our own loved ones, family, and friends “are just as likely to be asymptomatic carriers of Covid-19 as strangers,” says Dr. Leana Wen in an interview from CNN Health.

Beyond the restrictions and adaptations around Halloween this year, the spirit is still encouraged. In fact, there are lots of creative things you can do to still get your spooky on! Sport a quarantine-influenced costume by dressing up as your favorite masked character or model that relatable “half-dressed up Zoom call” look. 

“For Halloween this year I’m going to a friend’s house to smash pumpkins, which is an activity we can do while social distancing. I’m also going to a drive-thru haunted house, another safe yet fun thing we can do during this time,” says junior, Bailey Smolinski.

Besides spaced-out pumpkin smashing or drive-thru haunted houses, plenty of contained, contact-free Halloween events are occurring in the city, like the Haunted Ghost and Legend Tours in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

Although most might want to head to a friend’s house or go to an event, there are also plenty of alternatives for those who aren’t particularly fond of outside functions, even if they are COVID safe. If this is you, think about watching a spooky movie with friends online, carving pumpkins, blasting some Halloween music, or hosting a virtual party/costume contest! 

Understandably, no one wants to miss out on any of the season’s excitement. With these ideas and notable tips, hopefully you can decide how you are going to spend the holiday doing something fun this year while being spookily safe. Happy Halloween!