Happy Hallo-week ghouls and boys! In a year that’s already felt spooky enough, you may be wondering: Is Halloween even happening this year?
Halloween lovers rejoice! Your haunted holiday is far from cancelled. But, how do we celebrate Halloween safely this year? Below are six tips for a safe and spooky celebration!
Backyard Bonanza:
Host a backyard get-together! Challenge attendees to incorporate their mask into their costume. If serving food, ensure everything is pre-prepared and single serve to aid safety and efficiency. Play games or set up a projector to watch a movie. Chilly weather is bonfire weather, so drag out the fire pit and roast some marshmallows too!
While in-person Halloween parties are the dream, they’re not possible for everyone. Halloween parties can be just as fun virtually! Here’s how to make your virtual party one to remember:
Costume Contest:
Just because we can only see your top half on video chats does not mean you get to slack off on your costume. Host a costume contest, and add challenges like incorporating a mask, a virtual background, or coordinating the whole family’s costumes. Even better, include the pets in the fun and see whose furry friend has the best costume.
Movie Madness:
Host a virtual movie watch party! Multiple streaming platforms have added options for enjoying your favorite movies with friends from afar including Netflix (Netflix Party) and Disney+ (GroupWatch). A few of the best family friendly Halloween movies are:
- It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Hocus Pocus
- The Addams Family
- Halloweentown
Ghoulish Games:
Think outside the screen and branch out from virtual games! One of the easiest and most hilarious party games that can be done via video chat is called Face the Cookie. Have participants place a small cookie, like an Oreo, on their forehead, set a timer for one minute, and see who can get the cookie to their mouth the fastest without using their hands! If someone’s cookie falls, they have to start over.
Of course, there are always easy virtual games like Pictionary, trivia, or bingo, all of which can be played under a Halloween theme!
Baking Bash:
To all of you who miss sharing food with friends, we feel you. If you’re hosting a virtual party, simply prepare the food early and create party packs to drop off at party-goers’ homes before the event. Then, everyone can enjoy the same festive snacks during when they tune in!
Another way to get your fall baking fix is to have a virtual cook-off! Compete to see which of your friends can create the most frighteningly festive foods. Have everyone present their dish and then take a vote. Winner gets the best prize of all– bragging rights. Need a fall dish idea? Try these easy at-home caramel apples.
Pumpkin Party:
Pumpkin activities are no brainer! Paint and carve pumpkins with friends via video chat. Make it a competition by setting a theme and a time limit or keep it friendly and just have a virtual show-and-tell when everyone is finished. While everyone is carving or painting, play fun music, read scary stories, or stream a movie.
However you celebrate, may it be spectacularly spooky and safe! If you need some frighteningly fresh fruit for your fall fest, you know where to find us. Happy haunting!