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If you’re not a fan of candy, or going door to door, you’ll love our ideas of new ways to celebrate the fall and winter holidays. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays because it’s not always about dressing up and eating candy!
7 Alternatives To Trick Or Treating
Just because we are trying to adjust to a new normal doesn’t mean we have to give up our favorite things. If you’re not comfortable going trick or treating, maybe host a small party with a few of your closest friends.
Or keep it cozy and celebrate with just your family. Here are a few things you can do for Halloween that will make your celebration fun and safe for the whole family.
Have a pajama party and watch scary movies
As an alternative to going trick or treating, order the family some Halloween pajamas and pull out the scariest movies you can tolerate. Stock up on popcorn and Halloween candy, grab all the pillows and blankets you can find in the house, and get the whole crew cuddled up in front of the TV for a scary movie marathon.
Make candy treats with the kids
One of the best things about Halloween is all of the candy! Since you can’t go out and collect from all your neighbors, why not take it to the next level and make candy treats?
Pick your favorite Halloween candy to mix into cookies, brownies, krispie treats, or make a candy sundae bar. Here are some recipes to spark your creativity.
Virtual costume contest
This is a great Halloween idea for families and friends who usually spend the holidays together but aren’t able to due to social distancing restrictions. Just schedule a time for everyone to get online and show off their best costume ideas.
Make sure to set the stage with some Halloween decorations and a creepy backdrop. You can host your contest on Zoom, Google, or Facebook messenger rooms.
If you all have a Facebook Portal or Echo Show, then it’s even easier for families to hop on a group video chat together.
Deliver Halloween gift baskets
Instead of going from house to house to ask for candy, visit your neighbors and friends’ houses to drop off a candy gift bag. This is especially good for families with kids who are missing out on trick or treating.
Whether you let them know ahead of time or leave them a surprise on the porch, this is a great way to have fun while spreading joy to your friends and neighbors. Make sure to let them know who the candy gift is from so they know the treats are safe to eat. Maybe they’ll even return the favor!
Challenge your neighbors to a decorating contest
Similar to hanging Christmas lights, spread the word that you’re going to be decorating your home for Halloween. On Halloween night, families can drive or walk by to see all the fun Halloween decorations.
If you don’t want to go all out on your front lawn, you can just decorate your mailbox or front porch. Make it more interesting by encouraging your neighbors to participate and have everyone deliver a Halloween gift basket to the house they like the best!
Hunt For Candy In Your Home Or Yard
Part of the fun of trick or treating is going out and getting some candy, so take an idea from the Easter bunny and hide some candy in your house or yard. For a completely new take on trick or treating, try putting ‘tricks’ in some of the eggs like water, slime, or confetti.
Make this game even more fun and wait until after dark to start your hunt. Give the kids some flashlights, glow sticks, or flashing wands to make it a really special night!
Share Scary Stories Around The Bonfire
The cooler days of fall are perfect for sitting around a fire pit and making smores. This is a great family activity for Halloween. Gather everyone around and tell some scary stories that will have everyone peering over their shoulder.
You can add some spooky magic color changing flames to the fire, put some creepy props in the bushes, or even plan to prank older kids (or your spouse) with remote-controlled bugs to really amp up the scare factor.
What will you do for Halloween this year?
Share your ideas in the comments!
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