Celebrating Halloween during a pandemic

Photo by Haley Phelps on Unsplash

Let me first say this - whether you let your kids to go trick-or-treating this year or not, it's ok! No one needs to be judged or do the judging.

If you are allowing your kids to trick-or-treat, check out this article I received from our insurance company, American Family Insurance:

Trick-or-Treating Tips During a Pandemic

The group approach is always the best way to trick-or-treat — it’s also more fun with friends! But, during a pandemic, trick-or-treating might look a little different. If you plan to travel in a group that you haven’t been quarantined with, for instance, hopping house-to-house with social distancing in mind is a great way to stay healthy while trick-or-treating. Try to maintain six feet of space between you and other members of the party you’ll be out with. Let’s take a look at some more helpful tips for staying healthy and safe while trick-or-treating.

· If the group is mainly little ones, then an adult should serve as chaperone.

· If the kids are old enough to go without an adult, make sure they follow a pre-planned route and stick to homes or neighborhoods you know.

· Stress the importance of crossing roads safely over and over again. Once those little goblins see treats across the street, the temptation to run is going to be huge.

· Wash hands regularly, or keep hand sanitizer available to be used often as your trick-or-treaters will be in contact with candy wrapping passed from hand to hand.

· Keep face masks on during trick-or-treating and avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

· Cover your coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow while not wearing protective face covering.

· Trick-or-treating safety tips should be repeated every year, no matter how old your ghosts and goblins are — a refresher never hurts!

· Before heading out to trick-or-treat during a pandemic, you may want to check with your local health officials for possible rules or requirements. For the safety of yourself and your community, be sure you’re following any guidelines put in place.

Tips for Handing Out Candy

If you’re in charge of doling out the goodies, you have a few responsibilities too.

· Wear gloves when passing out candy or consider using a kitchen utensil to help distribute them without hand contact.

· Create social distance markers of at least six feet apart leading up to your door.

· October is an unpredictable month when it comes to weather. No matter if it snows, freezes or if there are slippery leaves on the walkway — it’s your job to make a clear and safe path for trick-or-treaters.

· Traditionally, turning on the front light signals that you’ve got candy — so consider adding lights all the way to the door for safer passage.

· Also, be sure your family pets are safely tucked away for the evening — for their safety as well as that of your spooky guests.

· Replace all flames with electric candles for a safe, yet realistic effect.

· When it comes to treats, store bought is best.

· A teal pumpkin at your door lets others know you are handing out allergy-free treats.

· If you’re willing to try something new, go the healthy route and hand out little toys, trinkets, coloring books or crayons instead.

If you're looking for family friendly Halloween events happening around the St. Louis area, check out this list of events that may be of interest.