October, the month when goblins and ghouls, witches and warlocks, Star Wars and princesses roam the streets to Trick or Treat for Mars Bars, Candy Corn or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Many parents and communities are either asking the question or already have decided: Should we or should we not allow the kids to Trick or Treat this Halloween?

Scientists assert that kids of all ages can become sick from the virus, but kids are less likely to get the virus than adults and if they do the illness is much less serious.  But what about their parents and grandparents?

Halloween is a cultural phenomenon.

Since the 80’s churches, communities, and PTA’s across the country, considering the needs of kids and the culture, have redesigned Halloween into Fall Festivals or Trunk or Treat events so that kids could continue to participate in the fun.

Halloween is big business in the US. In 2019 it was estimated that retailers would gross $8.8 billion – yes, you heard me, BILLION dollars through purchases of costumes, decorations for the home, dressing up pets and buying candy. 68% of people in the US planned to celebrate, and 47% of the people handing out candy to kids planned to dress in costume. In 2018 people spent nearly $575.26 million dollars on pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns and decorations alone.

With all that said, COVID19 continues to moderate our lives.

Just this past week the President, close officials, and participants in attendance at various presidential events tested positive for COVID, a stark reminder the pandemic is still with us.

In 2020 retailers are bracing for much smaller revenues. Bars and restaurants are closed or open at limited capacity. Restrictions in place limit the number of people who can congregate together.

So, what about this year? Should communities gather to celebrate?

Should kids trek through the streets from door to door with their parents?

If they do are there ways to physically distance while doing it? Do families tape large Red X’s 6 feet apart starting from the property line to the door or from the sidewalk to the front steps so kids know where to go, to  wait, to stand?

What about the people giving out the candy and treats?

Do they dress up in HazMat suits or as astronauts, swathed in plastic protection, goggles and gowns, helmets, and masks to hand out candy? Will innovative retailers sell PPE with ‘witch-warts’, stitches and scars?

More questions than answers at this moment. What is happening in your community? What do you think needs to happen? How are you going about the conversation with your kids and community? How are conversations going with your spouse or significant other? How easy or difficult are these discussions? 

Would love to hear what your concerns are and what you are planning.  

If you are struggling about how to have the conversation with your kids or others in your life, I am here to help.

Let’s chat. Just follow this link to book a strategy session. https://www.dianeweekley.com/booking/

Meet at the Table. Leave Together.