Eight out of 10 families plan to celebrate Halloween this year

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Published October 1, 2020 at 11:55 pm

halloween

It’s October, and that means—in case you haven’t been to a store recently—it’s time to start thinking about Halloween.

While we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, and new cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, it appears many parents still intend to celebrate with their kids.

According to a recent survey from Abacus Data, commissioned by the Food, Health & Consumer Products (FHCP) and Retail Council of Canada (RCC), eight out of 10 parents plan to celebrate the spookiest of holidays in some format with their kids this year.

“The pandemic is forcing Canadians to find safe and creative ways to celebrate Halloween,” David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, said in a news release. “For millions of Canadians, celebrating Halloween will bring a sense of normalcy and comfort after a difficult seven months.”

“Halloween is a special time for kids and adults alike. This year, Canadians understand the importance of celebrating safely and responsibly, and this survey confirms that Halloween will go on and the goodies we enjoy and have come to associate with the season will remain one of the best parts of the experience,” Michael Graydon, CEO of FHCP, said in the same release.

However, while many parents do hope to celebrate the holiday this year, most are aware they will have to do so in a manner that is safe and doesn’t further exacerbate the risk of contracting the virus.

In order to provide ideas for those struggling to come up with creative ways to safely celebrate Halloween, the FHCP and RCC offer a list of suggestions, including:

  • Showcase Halloween craft projects on your porch and in your front windows for your neighbours to enjoy.
  • Drop treats on your neighbour’s doorsteps, ring the bell, and run away! Make sure to include a spooky note letting your neighbour know they’re from you.
  • Set up a piñata at home filled with your favourite Halloween treats.
  • Set up a treat hunt around your home; goodies can be hidden in secret spots, or use the bedroom, and closet doors as trick-or-treat stations.
  • Have fun with decorations – the inside and outside of your home can be in the Halloween spirit all month long.
  • Craft a countdown calendar – pick a fun Halloween activity to do each day or each weekend in October leading up to the big day.
  • Organize and hold a socially distanced costume parade with a few of your neighbours and keep the treats at home to enjoy afterwards.
  • Host a virtual party – set up video chats with friends and family members who can’t celebrate with you. Encourage children to show off their costumes and talk about their favourite treats.
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