Due to the pandemic, Halloween may be looking quite different this year. How do you still have fun with the family while remaining safe? Here’s our tips for your top concerns this year!

General Safety

First of all, if you’ve decided to do Halloween this year, it’s never hurts to remember some general safety before you head out! 

• • Try on Costumes before you go out: this way check to make sure everything fits correctly! For example, if you notice a costume is too long, you can use hem tape or pins to do a quick fix so you don’t trip. 
  • Test Your Make-up: before you go all-out! You can test your make-up by putting a small amount on your arm and if you see signs of irritation (rash, redness, swelling, and etc) this could be an allergic reaction and you should cease using that make-up.
    • Tip: How old is your make-up? Since we’ve been in quarantine we may not be as cognisant about when the last time we bought or used make-up. Did you know for example mascara is only safe to use 3 – 6 months? Check your make-up before you apply. If it smells funky, looks odd, or you know you bought it a long time ago (6 months to a year) – it might be time to throw it out. 
  • Stick Out: You and the kiddos should wear bright, reflective accessories or costumes so that you are visible as the evening get’s darker. 

• Don’t Eat the Candy: avoid tempting to eat the candy before getting home (same goes with children). Make sure to sanitize your hands before eating candy. According to health professionals, you don’t need to clean the candy wrappers before eating. However, if you want to be extra cautious, you can wait to eat the candy for 48-72 hours. 

• • Tip: to avoid temptation, eat a light snack before going out!
• Inspect the Candy: as always, check the candy before eating. Throw out any opened candy, or ones that look tampered with. The FDA suggests that “unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers” should be thrown away.  

COVID-19 Safety Tips: 

• Remember to social distance (6ft apart) and wear a mask. If you’re going out with children, make sure to hold them accountable! Avoid crowding doorsteps or porches.
• Try not to touch your face or allow kids to touch their face without disinfecting hands
• Bring hand sanitizer and use it often! Make sure to wash your hands when you get home. To be even more cautious, remove your costume and shower. 
• If you’re passing out candy, to make it easier for people to social distance ad avoid crowding at the door, sit on the porch or near the sidewalk. 

Alternative Ideas

The best way to avoid COVID-19 and to stay safe during Halloween is to avoid going out trick or treating. Here are some alternative ideas from the CDC and us to help make Halloween fun for you and your kiddos!

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
• Have a spooky stories session
• If you have an outdoor projector, set up a nice bonfire and watch Halloween shows or movies. You could socially distance with friends or neighbors and they can join!

At Mt. Auburn, we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween this year!