October 31st, the night to dress up as anyone or anything and take on the exciting tradition of trick-or-treating with family and friends. With this Halloween unlike any other, 2020 has allowed neighbors to question the normality. Will mask oriented Halloween costumes be a trend this year, or will the tradition of trick-or-treating be skipped out on?

Trick but No Treat

While trick-or-treating may be the most exciting part of Halloween, COVID-19 will make it look different. Despite steadied coronavirus rates in Colorado, interacting with hundreds of people on Halloween night is risky. 

Even with alternatives such as keeping the candy in a bowl, contact would still occur. Many would reach their hands in the same bowl, potentially spreading coronavirus germs. 

“Even with certain safety precautions in place, you would have to be careful not to go in big groups,” comments freshman Claire Huber, “Even if candy was left outside in bowls, everyone is still touching the same bowl.”

Trick-or-treating during Halloween usually entails dressing up in a fun costume and going door-to-door throughout numerous neighborhoods collecting candy. While this tradition is fun, interacting with many people may provide a safety threat.

“I personally think that trick or treating should not happen this year,” adds Huber, “It just does not feel safe going from person to person.”

Without being able to collect Halloween candy in the traditional ways, other virtual options have arisen to keep up the Halloween spirit.

“Liam Payne is doing a virtual concert this year on Halloween,” Huber excitedly mentions, “So my friend and I are wearing our One Direction merch and watching the concert.”

Going door to door is not the only way to collect candy, individually purchased candy is a safer way to get into the Halloween spirit. 

“As fun as trick-or-treating is, the alternatives are endless to ensure a safe and fun spooky year,” junior Eric Merchant comments, “This year, a group of my friends will buy candy and watch a scary movie.” 

There is more to Halloween than trick-or-treating. Halloween can be about spending time with friends and enjoying candy. Many options are still available to enjoy the Halloween spirit. 

Treat over Trick  

Halloween is a time for creativity and fun. Throughout this year, there have been ways to allow for the typical fun while being cautious and considerate of others. Elimination of this holiday’s most prized tradition, trick-or-treating, would ruin the holiday as a whole. There are creative alternatives when handing out candy or collecting the treats that enable a safe, yet, spooky night.   

“I feel like people are scared to go out and enjoy themselves,” explains senior Megan Rackov, “Halloween is a time to have fun and celebrate with one another. I think that is what is so different [now], people are afraid to do that.”

With a Halloween different than previous ones, the lack of normality can be unsettling. Despite this, people are relying on their previous traditions for comfort.

“This year, my family and I are hosting a Halloween party with a few friends to celebrate,” Rackov added, “Which is something we have done in years past.”

Erie High School senior Martha Santos describes, “With everything that has been going on, the changes have been a little rough, and some fun does not hurt since there are safety precautions for this year while taking on trick or treating.” 

By changing a few traditions or thinking outside of the box, everyone is able to continue to build memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.

“Part of Halloween is making memories; my family would always make hotdogs rather than hand out candy to ensure trick or treaters have a good dinner,” Santos adds, “This year, we are going to be doing candy for safety reasons.” 

Safety precautions such as wearing masks, gloves, and keeping socially-distanced could help preserve the Halloween spirit while protecting against COVID-19.

“We could still keep the social distance, six feet, and focus on wearing masks,” Rackov mentions, “That way, we can still have fun and stay safe.”

With the right precautions in place, Halloween can still be as frightening and exciting as the olden days. 

Trick or Treat?

“This spooky holiday is a day that everyone, no matter culture or religion, can have fun with,” Santos continues, “It is a day that you are able to do something different and dress up as anything.”

Regardless if you and your family think that the main tradition of trick-or-treating should be discarded this year, there are ways for everyone to celebrate the holiday safely and have a happy Halloween!