Halloween, Covid-style.

Staff writer: Rose Dickinson

So, it’s that time of year again. Yep, that’s right! The spooky season is among us! But this year is a little different, considering the effects Covid-19 has had on us all, and Halloween is no exception. When you first think about this year, and Halloween, you would think it would be perfect! Lots of costumes have masks and gloves, and candies are typically pre-wrapped. That is what I thought about it to begin with, but then I thought about trick or treating a little bit more. Having contact with countless people that hand you candy can be risky. So, trick or treating might be off the table for some of us this year. What are some ways to celebrate Halloween, while still staying safe in this unique time?

Some minor ways could be to dress up and take pictures! Maybe driving around to look at house decorations or staying socially distanced while walking around to see scarecrows downtown. Maybe stop by Starbucks to get a pumpkin spice latte?

I am not too sure about the rest of you, but I tend to enjoy cozy nights in with my family and friends. How are some ways to Halloween-ify a night at home? You could buy your favorite candy and watch Halloween movies with your family or a friend, and maybe something a little scary? One of my favorite scary movies is Friday the 13^th part VI: Jason Lives, and one line from the movie I find terribly ironic is when Elizabeth says, “I’ve seen enough horror movies to know that any weirdo wearing a mask is never friendly.” Well, Elizabeth, welcome to 2020. Possibly you would prefer to do something a little less terrifying, like a pumpkin carving competition over a Zoom meeting? Maybe just have a Zoom meeting in costume and look at your friend’s costumes? You could also just have fun with your costume!

There are tons of fun ideas for costumes this year. You might want to be something classic. Cat, witch, zombie, vampire, ghost, clown, etc. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the classics. Possibly, you’d want to be your favorite character for the great Hallow’s Eve. I know quite a few people who are extremely excited to dress as their favorite anime characters this year. Dressing in one of the Harry Potter house colors are also becoming quite popular.

 This is an incredibly unique year. Correction: it’s been an exceedingly difficult year so far, but instead of being upset and hating the world for how it’s affected us, why not take this rare opportunity to do something that we all love to do? Laugh!

I cannot speak for everyone, but I can say with confidence we all love a funny Halloween costume. I have seen taxes, student loans, and even a middle school band teacher as costumes and I know I laughed at the sight of them. Well, this year has given us all boat loads of lemons, so why don’t we make lemonade? Try doing what meme templates do and take a doubtful situation and turn it into something people can take a second or two to laugh at. Some costumes I can imagine seeing this year are coronavirus bacteria, a Karen, Carole Baskin, Hand sanitizer, and to be completely honest, I would not be incredibly surprised if someone just wore a hazmat suit.

The number of things you can do for Halloween are limitless. But, just be sure that whatever you do this year, you’re safe while doing it. Going out in public is risky enough these days. I strongly recommend that you all get used to the “new normal” and social distance yourselves along with wearing a mask when social distancing is more difficult.