Celebrating the safest and spookiest Halloween

Spreading good vibes and fun times on Halloween without spreading COVID-19

Taylor DeGuzman / A&C Editor

The spookiest holiday of the year is creeping right around the corner. Halloween is on a Saturday this year, which means no school and a full day to celebrate. However, just because Halloween falls on the weekend this year, does not mean that COVID-19 will be ghosting people who want to celebrate. There are still many ways to celebrate Halloween this year in the safest way possible.

Usually, people are scrambling to DIY the coolest Halloween costumes or thrift a few pieces to put an outfit together. Some individuals go out to watch a scary movie with their group of friends, and others stay out late at parties to dance the monster mash and the night away. It is no secret that Halloween, and especially “Hallo-weekend,” are highly anticipated evenings for people to bask in all of the Halloween spirit and festivities until it officially marks Christmas on Nov. 1, or Thanksgiving for a few.

Even though it would’ve been typical to go out and share the evening with tons of friends, there is no mistaking that a global pandemic is still here, and that people need to be mindful of others’ health and wellbeing. In order to respect others, here are a few ideas on how individuals can indulge in less tricks and more treats this year and celebrate in the safest way possible. 

Host a Costume Zoom Party and play “Among Us”

What better way to celebrate Halloween, in the most socially-distanced and safe way possible, than a costume Zoom party while playing “Among Us” with best friends. Those who are at home right now, and not in San Diego, can still dress up and celebrate Halloween like usual, but instead over Zoom.

Everyone can still get ready, get dressed up and show off either their $60 outfit from the Halloween store or their DIY “Euphoria” fit (that everyone will be wearing this year) while keeping social distance. To add to the evening, everyone can play this season’s most popular game, “Among Us,” with each other and instead of using the text chat function on the game, you can discuss who the “Imposter” is over Zoom and look for any poker faces amongst friends.

Go to a local neighborhood and judge Halloween decorations

Even though college students would definitely be trick or treating this year, unfortunately, because of COVID-19 they cannot. However, what they can do is drive around different neighborhoods, blasting “Spooky Scary Skeletons” on repeat, and judge the best decorated homes or even go outside and take a few pictures with the best looking houses. Around this time of year, people typically go all out with decorations, so it could be a fun adventure to grab some food, good company, and blast some good music and drive during the evening to get a last look at Halloween decorated homes.

Have a Halloween movie marathon with roommates

There are so many great Halloween movie classics to choose from and great thrillers if friends want the evening to take a scary turn. If looking for an incredibly terrifying and relatable horror film, try watching the movie “Host,” which takes place over quarantine and over Zoom. The premise of the film follows a group of friends who are performing a séance all over Zoom, and once one thing goes wrong, everything begins to unfold and the viewer watches chilling events through the lens of the Zoom gallery view, which feels all too familiar. The film will leave viewers on edge and hesitant to open Zoom, in fear that something is lurking in the corner of their own Zoom screen.  

Halloween night drive-in movie: “Coco”

From the comfort of one’s vehicle, watch the Pixar family favorite “Coco.” This heart-warming film centers around the cultural importance of Día de Los Muertos and the significance of following one’s heart. This light-hearted Pixar favorite is sure to brighten up anyone’s Halloween if not in the mood for something scary. The film is hosted by Cal State San Marcos and tickets start at $25 for two people in a vehicle and $45 for four people in a vehicle. Tickets are on sale on their website. The film starts at 8 p.m., and snack packs that include pretzels, white cheddar popcorn, peanut M&Ms, trail mix, Red Vines, Whoppers, Hazelnut Nutella Spread, and Ritz Crackers are sold at $20 before the film begins.  

There are so many ways to celebrate Halloween that respects the wellbeing of others and oneself. Whether it be virtual costume parties or simply driving around the neighborhood blasting music, one can still have the funnest and safest night possible without causing an unnecessary spike of cases. Everyone knows ghouls just wanna have fun, but in the spirit of the world at the moment, please be mindful of each other and have the happiest of Halloweens.