How to Make Your Socially Distant Halloween Less Scary

Fall is here – which means the spookiest holiday of the year is fast approaching. Halloween is a time of scary movies, candy and costumes galore – but 2020’s festivities may look a little different. In a time of uncertainty, massive gatherings and public events are being canceled and trick-or-treating is now discouraged for safety reasons. Despite these changes, there are plenty of ways to still have a safe, exciting, and socially distanced holiday for everyone.

A Scary – and Safe – Night In

Not every little ghost and goblin will want to go out for an outdoor event – and it is perfectly OK. There are some great ways to have an indoor Halloween event with your family or a virtual hangout with friends and/or other relatives. Pick up a pumpkin from your local cider mill (or grocery store) and carve some unique designs. Or, if you’re not in the mood for a messy event, purchase some pumpkin seeds, popcorn and sweets to munch on during a scary movie marathon.

One of the highlights during this time of the year is decorating and looking at everyone’s Halloween home displays. Although there will not be as many trick-or-treaters going door-to-door, there are still many opportunities to deck your living space out. Office Depot has a variety of spooky house décor to make your scary vision a reality:

Halloween Activities

Feeling a little gloomy over all the canceled in-person costume parties? The party does not have stop – just make your magical moments virtual! Although it may not feel the same to host or attend a holiday bash, set up a virtual hangout with your friends over Zoom, Google or FaceTime. Whether you hold a virtual costume content, play virtual games or just catch up, there is no wrong way to have the perfect online Halloween bash.

For the younger ones, here is a list of fun, inventive ideas to keep the spirit of the season alive:

• Backyard Scavenger Hunt – Did you know Office Depot has a great selection of candies, treats and miniature Halloween toys? Keep the little ones entertained by hiding some of these goodies around the backyard and once the sun starts to set, let the fun commence!

• Bringing Trick or Treating Home – Who says you need to go out to get candy when you can make it Create an interactive adventure from the comfort of home? All you need is candy and little toys (no assembly required). Just set up several spooky stations across the house for your little ones for some adventure.

• Countdown Fun – Halloween may only be a one-night event, but it does not have to be. For the week leading up to the event, set aside time in the evening for arts and crafts – try decorating your traditional mask – and spooky, exciting games/movies. Spice up everyone’s wardrobe by having different costume themes and contests every day.

Although COVID-19 may have shifted the “norms” of going out to celebrate Halloween traditions, this can be the year of building new memories and spooky traditions – all from the comfort of your home or business.