Darkness overtakes the air. Houses are filled with skeletons, pumpkins, and flashing lights. The sickly-sweet smell of sour candy hangs over the air. Tensions are high as talk about COVID-19 continues. It is the 31st of October. Halloween. 

Decorating pumpkins, choosing costumes, and trick-or-treating brings joy to many on Halloween. While some plans may look different this year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus. 

“I’m getting ready for this Halloween by buying pumpkins, watching ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas,’ and decorating our house,” Alicia Isenberg, sophomore, said. 

With Halloween being on a Saturday this year, many can stay up late watching their favorite scary movie. Watching a movie at home also serves as a safer alternative to watching a movie at a theatre, especially considering that the majority of theaters are closed temporarily due to COVID-19. 

“I plan to watch ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’…I hope to watch some others, too,” Robert Zaski, freshman, said. While COVID has prevented the classic Charlie Brown special to be broadcasted this year on television, the show will be available for free on AppleTV+ from Oct. 30 until Nov. 1. 

However, one of the most hotly debated issues is trick-or-treating during the pandemic. Since masks are part of many different costumes, some argue that it is safe to go trick-or-treating if a mask is worn. Leaving out a bowl of candy is contactless, making it safer than handing it out. 

A safe alternative to trick-or-treating is having a virtual Halloween party at home. While it may sound boring at first, having a Zoom party with a few friends is a wonderful way to socialize and celebrate Halloween. 

“I feel that watching multiple horror movies with friends is just as fun as going trick-or-treating,” Amy Dominguez, junior, said. 

Pumpkin carving is another classic Halloween tradition that stays unaffected by COVID-19. Gather close friends and family and carve pumpkins– here is some design inspiration. 

“I’m going to carve pumpkins at Wildlife Action with some friends by the lake, and I’m also going to watch the Harry Potter movies again this Halloween,” Bre Welton, sophomore, said. 

Although Halloween may look different this October, it remains as one of the spookiest nights of the year— COVID or not.