Hosting Halloween 2020 Style

It comes as no surprise that Halloween will look different to most people this year. While the festivities may not be the same as they were in the past, eager young children will not understand a complete cancellation. Some adults won’t either.

Safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Still, whether you are hosting a small family celebration or a virtual party, there are some steps you can take to make this Halloween memorable.

Fill a Cauldron Full of Cider

If you’re celebrating with family in your household, set out a crockpot of cider and another with hot cocoa. Let it simmer while you are cooking a special Halloween meal. Or start it earlier in the afternoon so you can have a few sips while you are munching on vegetables and healthy appetizers while your meal is getting prepared. Look at the bright side. Your dinner will not be interrupted by ringing doorbells and spooky goblins this year.

Turn Your Porch Lights Off

Don’t make things even more confusing by mistakingly letting people think you are open for trick-or-treaters to visit. A brightly lit front porch may signal you are handing out candy and it would be a big disappointment to get people’s heart racing at the thought of a mini snickers bar in their bag.

Dress Up and Zoom

If you have neighbors and friends who are also missing the ritual, schedule a time to get everyone dressed up in their costume and share a few moments of fun. Plan with other parents And discuss what everyone will be eating during the party. It could be pizza or chicken nuggets. Everyone might decide to have their own separate meals. Try and keep all of the foods similar so the kids are doing the same thing simultaneously.

Discuss Each Costume

Allow each child to talk and explain their costume. If they want to act out what their superhero does, let them have the virtual floor. Take turns and don’t let go on too long. Give everyone a chance to speak.

Stick to a Party Schedule

Start at the allotted time and in the party the same. Shorter is better for kids with a short attention span.

Send Out Treat Bags

Get together with other parents and discuss what kind of treats should go into a treat bag that everyone can walk away with at the end of the meeting.

You may also like Celebrating Fall by Doing Good for Someone Else. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest,  Instagram and Twitter.