With fall approaching, our country is challenged by numerous questions—many of them far more important than whether we should buy Skittles or Twix bars. However, with Halloween approaching, that is a concern posed by many adults, in the suburbs at least. 

Coronavirus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but if Halloween traditions—like passing out and consuming candy—are put in jeopardy, it would be yet another huge hit to the economy. 

According to WCNC, Americans spent $9 billion on Halloween which puts it second for holidays, behind Christmas of course. If traditions like buying costumes, candy, or decorations are abandoned, that number could be cut in half. Candy companies like Party City will be forced to adjust their production and retail stores, compelling them to brace for a financial hit due to fewer costume and decoration sales.

Without a doubt, we can save this from occurring. Halloween is still possible if people follow the right precautions. 2020 has been terrifying on its own given the current state of the world, so continuing Halloween traditions could boost peoples’ spirits. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, meaning families have the opportunity to celebrate safely at home. 

While going door to door trick-or-treating isn’t a good idea because it could cause an outbreak, it doesn’t mean we can’t have Halloween. Even if you aren’t allowed to go house to house there’s still ways to incorporate fun.

Candy isn’t canceled. Candy displays are everywhere, and a trip to your local grocery store makes that obvious. Even if trick-or-treaters aren’t coming to your door this year, you can still eat it. Parents can still make costumes for their kid’s and they could even do a scavenger hunt around the yard to find candy. Think of it as Easter, we didn’t cancel that! Or the Fourth of July, we can get really creative and have kids sit on their lawn while adults throw candy at them like a parade. 

In any case, we’ll have to celebrate Halloween differently than usual. Parties are not safe, but stuffing your face with candy, going to drive-in scary movies, and yard decorations are absolutely acceptable. And costumes—particularly if masks are involved.