Halloween is approaching and with COVID-19, this year’s celebrations are going to be unlike any other year.
According to Beverly Anderson, Executive Director of Ebenezer Child Care Centers, with locations in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and West Allis/Wauwatosa, “Kids absolutely adore Halloween. However, because of COVID-19, the Wisconsin Department of Health is saying that we should avoid traditional trick or treating from neighbor to neighbor, large outdoor gatherings, and in-person indoor parties and celebrations. So, parents are going to need to do some creative thinking to keep this fun holiday safe and memorable.”
Dressing Up
Anderson says even though your child may not be trick or treating this year, you can still let them pick a costume and wear it around the house or out on family walks. Another fun idea is to host a virtual costume contest with your child’s friends or family members.
Anderson suggests that while you want your child to select a costume they like, you also want to be sure they will be able to see clearly and walk freely in it. She also reminds you that if they are going to be wearing it out on family walks that it should be appropriate for Wisconsin’s everchanging fall weather and bright enough that it will stand out if you are walking at dusk.
Carving Pumpkins
The tradition of carving pumpkins can certainly remain this year despite COVID-19. However, Anderson says that to keep this activity safe, parents should never allow their children to carve pumpkins without supervision and assistance. She also suggests that instead of using knives, you purchase pumpkin carving tools that are less dangerous and available at most convenience stores.
Anderson adds that you should never allow your children to light their jack-o-lanterns, and always make sure that they are set in places that are not near flammables or little hands.
A New Twist on Trick-or-Treating
Anderson says that parents really need to get creative this year if community trick or treating isn’t happening. She suggests that families have their kids put on their costumes and create a trick or treat trail in their yards or in their houses.
“Think of it as an Easter egg hunt that they can do with flashlights in the dark, and instead of finding eggs, they find Halloween candy.
“Depending on the kids’ ages, families can also play spooky music to help set the Halloween mood.”
New Traditions
Anderson adds there are lots of fun things families can do safely together this year to make Halloween special.
“You can work together to convert your front yard into a spooky Halloween setting. You can make caramel apples or Halloween cut out cookies together. You can check out some Halloween themed books from the library. You can go on your streaming service and find some Halloween themed shows or movies to watch together. Or, you can go online and find some fun Halloween art projects to bring out your creative side.”
“The point is that just because Halloween may be different this year, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and memorable while being safe for your entire family.”
Ebenezer Child Care Centers is a not-for-profit, locally based agency committed to providing early care and education programs from the heart. The agency prides itself on being different from other child care providers in that it offers a home-like atmosphere; individualized, nurturing care; and a structured curriculum that is virtues-based for every child’s developmental stage.
Every Ebenezer Child Care Center focuses on all aspects of a child’s development: cognitive, physical, emotional, and social. In addition to providing quality care, the agency also offers other educational programming all aimed at helping parents.
The agency has locations in downtown Milwaukee, Oak Creek, and West Allis/Wauwatosa. The agency’s main office is located at 1496 South 29th Street, Milwaukee. For more information, please call 414-643-5070 or visit the agency’s website at www.ebenezerchildcare.com.
