Halloween Party Essentials: Creative Options To Continue The Trick Or Treating Tradition During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has parents questioning if Halloween should be canceled this year. But Jessi Means and Lindsey Kauffman, co-founders of Celebrated —an event styling and custom decor company providing party essentials in a box — say, "absolutely not!"

According to the party planners, as parents, they have seen it all. "One thing remains constant, pre-pandemic and today, children are resilient," they said. "When you present them with creative options to the time-honored tradition of trick or treating, you may be surprised at how excited they’ll become. Pivot your outlook and focus on what you can do to celebrate this cherished autumnal holiday."

According to The National Retail Federation, over 148 million U.S. adults plan to participate in Halloween-related activities. The survey revealed that parents would have safe at-home activities like decorating their homes, carve a pumpkin, and dress up their pet. “Consumers continue to place importance on celebrating our traditional holidays, even if by untraditional standards,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers are prepared to meet the increased demand for seasonal décor, costumes, and other items that allow families the opportunity to observe Halloween safely.”

Means and Kauffman say that the good news is that there is no one way to celebrate. "The key is to have fun, be safe, and unleash your creativity," the entrepreneurs added.

If are wondering how to celebrate Halloween with your kids, find below tips from Jessi Means and Lindsey Kauffman.

Halloween Party Essentials: Creative Options To Continue The Trick Or Treating Tradition During COVID-19

Halloween is the kickoff to the holiday season, and while it's crucial to stay safe this year, it's also essential to make lasting memories with your families. There are still so many ways to have fun, and who knows, maybe you'll even create new traditions that will last for years to come.

• First, set some ground rules and encourage them to suggest their ideas. For instance, masks are essential to staying safe, so make it an activity to decorate them to match their costumes. Let them choose what supplies they need and how best to design their creation.
• Next, if you don't feel comfortable sending your kids out trick or treating, take a look at these alternatives to ensure they have a memorable experience that can be enjoyed over a more extended period than just Halloween night.
• Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt at home or coordinate with other families who are within your "quarantine crew" to make a map and have a special surprise at each house that's participating. Have them look for such Halloween-themed things as ghosts, a spooky house, pumpkins, monsters, scarecrows, spiderwebs, the list goes on and on. The hunt also doesn't have to be on Halloween night so that you can avoid massive crowds. Check out the Celebrated website for an example.
• Do a "candy hunt" similar to an Easter egg hunt and hide candy throughout your yard or home. It’s a safe way to control what’s given and eaten by your children. Stock up on favorites and throw in a few healthy goodies too. The reaction alone will be priceless!
• Design a haunted house within your own home using spooky decorations, like our 4ft tall skeletons. Use hanging bats cut-outs, black, orange, and silver balloon garlands, and cobwebs, as starters.
• Decorate pumpkins. This can be fun at any age. Get the party going with a pumpkin decorating kit. If your children are too young for carving, you can paint them or use our sticker decorating kit. Display them in your house or yard for all to admire.
• Make sweet treats. There are plenty of fun ideas on Pinterest, and we have a festive cupcake kit to use for inspiration. Wash your hands frequently and practice safe eating and drinking (no sharing allowed!).
• Create a spooky tablescape with your kids. Whether it's a small gathering with only your family or a few friends, you can still have a dinner party with Halloween-themed food and fun tableware. Your kids will have a blast making the home a spook-filled place.
• Host a virtual costume contest. Send out e-vites to family and friends with guidelines and links for participating and viewing. It’s an excellent way for kids to parade in their costumes, plus a safe opportunity for older family members miles away to enjoy the festivities as well.

The experts suggest parents always remember that "it's important for not only the safety of your family but also others to continue to practice social distancing. It's best to avoid large crowds and a big communal candy bin. If possible, line up single servings of candy along your sidewalk, driveway, or porch that kids can take without having to dig around in the same bowl. They can still get their M&Ms and be safe too! Make funny signs to direct those who do trick-or-treat to follow, such as 'Beware! Venture Here!' Leave a hand sanitizer out to encourage participants to keep their hands clean."

Since 2018, Celebrated has been offering party-in-a-box decorations for adult and kid-themed occasions.