Quarantine can’t stop Halloween

You hesitantly walk into a foggy black room while your heart races, nearly pounding out of your chest. Terrifying spiders launch from hidden crevices, deafening screams are heard from all corners, and a witch with a hat as sharp as a knife asks if you’re brave enough to retrieve the mouthwatering treat that would make your dentist cry. Halloween–a single night of horror, buckets of free candy, and innovative costumes. The activities range from trick or treating to haunted houses, but with Coronavirus remodeling society, how are people expected to celebrate? Students must get imaginative this year as the six feet apart rule prohibits the traditional parties and ‘trick or treating’. These are some fun options of activities to try out this year for Halloween.

Scary Movie Marathon

A classic piece of Halloween that defines the holiday is scary movies. An activity for all ages, but the scariest only targeted for the strong willed. It incorporates the image of the holiday and the exhilarating relief after the horror ends. Students are trying to make the most of the pandemic, and are planning small watch parties with friends. 

“I invited two of my friends over to just stay in and watch movies [Scary and Disney] and eat candy that we buy from the store,” freshman Ariana Baker said. 

Carving Pumpkins

A signature tradition of the season: Grab your gloves, scoop out the pumpkin guts, and carve any face that you wish to create. This offers a COVID-safe approach to the holiday spirit.

Buying your own candy

Trick or treating is on hold for the time being, but it isn’t the only way to get candy. Passing on free sugary treats isn’t favorable, but no one shall go without candy this year. Instead, go to the store, preferably the day after Halloween to get the best deals, and buy yourself a bag of your dearest sweet tooth desires and cravings. 

“I would go trick or treating with my friends or go to a Halloween party, however I am not allowed to go this year,” sophomore Brianna Turnquest said.

Arts and Crafts

Pull out tubes of paint and color pencils because arts and crafts are an extraordinary way to spend the days following up to Halloween or the special day itself. Original pieces can be created or vintage works of art such as pumpkins with expressive looks, skulls of all sizes, or an unlucky black cat.        

Baking and Decorating  

Baking, a well-established hobby that is done all year, has had an impact on this quarantine season at large, but as Halloween approaches it can offer itself as another safe, festive activity.  Junior Samantha Leon is baking Halloween cookies with her family during the pandemic. Decorating the treats is where the true representation is observed. All that it takes is some minor baking experience, the essential tools/ingredients and an active imagination. 

 “It’s important to get creative in order to have fun and stay safe,” Leon said.

Dressing Up

Nowhere to go? You can still throw on a costume for your own enjoyment. Dressing up as your favorite character or animal can put a smile on your face and spread the essence of Halloween in your home.

 “This year we are going to let my boys dress up, but they are not going trick or treating,” geometry teacher Jennifer Joyce said.

Halloween Decorations

Above all, show your spirit for the most frightening holiday by decorating your heart out.

“It is still important to have fun just in a safe way!” said Turnquest.

If all haunted houses are closed, create one through your own vision, perhaps make a spooky themed hallway or festively decorate your room. Halloween will devour the pot of fears for one night and leave coronavirus quivering as our creativity overshines it power. 

Old Traditions Were Once New Ideas 

Those who celebrate may have mixed feelings on how Halloween is conducted this year. Baker said she will probably go back to old celebrations once they get the clear. However, some new ways to celebrate may become staples in your family’s Halloween.    

“We will probably incorporate [the new activities we are doing this year] into our ‘normal’ Halloween tradition,” Joyce said.