Try an Outdoor Trunk-or-Treat

The Trunk-or-Treat has become “a popular alternative to trick-or-treating” in many areas during the pandemic, says The Curious Frugal. Families put on their costumes, decorate the trunks of their cars and meet at an outdoor location to celebrate and exchange treats. Add a spooky soundtrack, and it’s almost as good as going door-to-door — only safer. “There is a middle ground between doing everything and not being safe or careful, and canceling #Halloween completely,” the story says. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips

Mask Up for a Safe Halloween

Reasonable precautions to observe as you and the family celebrate #Halloween this year include wearing mask to reduce the chance of transmission, says The Conversation. Kids can wear them under their costumes, or incorporate them into the costume itself; adults should wear them when dispensing treats. Have children wash their hands or use sanitizer frequently, especially before eating candy. Celebrating outside reduces the risk of anyone transmitting the virus, and those exhibiting symptoms of illness should get tested and skip the celebrations altogether. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips

How to Hand Out Treats at a Distance

Celebrating a second Halloween under COVID won’t be quite as scary since so many Americans have now been #vaccinated. But common sense will still rule the day: Try to maintain a socially distanced six feet between yourself and strangers when giving out treats, and celebrate outdoors if possible. Cutefetti suggests using a grabber or tongs to hand out candy (no homemade treats, please — only prepackaged ones), or make grab bags to toss to the neighborhood kids or set out for the taking. If you’re feeling handy, you can build a Halloween candy chute for dispensing treats. #HalloweenTips

Know How Much Halloween Candy to Buy

If you recently moved to a new neighborhood or were out of town last #Halloween, you might not know how many or how few #trick-or-treaters to expect, says Craving Some Creativity. Ask your neighbors! They should be able to tell you to expect throngs of costumed kids prowling the streets in search of sweets, or only a few small families at dusk. Buy and give out only wrapped candy and treats — not homemade — unless you know everyone who will be stopping by. Get enough to satisfy all the little boys and #ghouls, and in a variety you like in case there are leftovers!