Why Trick-Or-Treaters Might Be Disappointed This Halloween

On a normal Halloween, pretty much the worst thing children had to worry about was getting candy corn — voted to be the worst Halloween candy of all, two years running (via CandyStore.com). In 2020, as if Election Day weren't scary enough, families must contend with the risk of spreading or catching a deadly virus while trick-or-treating. A few communities in the United States have banned the door-to-door ritual this year due to COVID-19, including Beverly Hills — and we're sure they would have had the best candy (via KABC) — and three towns in New Jersey (via WABC). According to the California Department of Public Health, the whole state is strongly advised against trick-or-treating and the department suggests all Halloween and Dĺa de los Muertos celebrations happen online or keep to no more than three households.

While families sort out whether trick-or-treating is on or off in their communities this October 31st, they should also realize that candy-seekers may have another problem. According to a survey by Apartment Guide, 46 percent of respondents won't be opening their doors and handing out candy this Halloween; and of the homes that will be providing treats, another 24 percent will stay safely inside the house but leave a bowl of candy outside. (Kids who aren't shy about grabbing more than one piece of candy from an unsupervised bowl might see this as a bonus that makes up for those candy-less houses.)

In the same Apartment Guide survey, 34 percent of people still plan to trick-or-treat this year, and 16 percent of Halloween revelers will find more socially distant ways to have their fun. It is worth noting that about 50 percent of the respondents said they never celebrate the spooky holiday, regardless of the year. Apartment Guide suggested a scavenger hunt or virtual costume contest in lieu of regular festivities. Delish also came up with a list of ways to celebrate at home. Why not decorate the house and put on that costume, even if you stay inside? Or you could "ghost" your friends — no, not by never talking to them again, but by leaving a bag of candy on their doorstep. The people on the Wicked Makers YouTube channel really saved trick-or-treating by building a six-foot-long candy slide — a clever way to hand out candy while keeping (at least your own) social distance.

Lanier Lebby-Alston, a home economics teacher in South Carolina, will help uphold the magic of Halloween by clipping candy on a clothesline for trick-or-treaters (via The State). "COVID has really taken away some of the innocence of being a child," she said. "With those special holidays like Halloween and Christmas or what have you, we want to kind of go that extra mile to ensure they have somewhat of a norm in the abnormal."