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Wow! I don’t think I even need to say it, but 2020 has been a doozy, no? And I’d be surprised if she whips herself back into shape in time for us to enjoy a traditional Halloween. I’m guessing the CDC will not be encouraging us to knock on random doors and share treats with strangers, but that doesn’t mean we have to ditch the festivities altogether.

Here are five ways to get into the Halloween spirit without breaking quarantine.  

1. Make planning part of the fun

Get the whole family involved. Create a group Pinterest board for ideas. Come up with a decorating scheme and let everyone pitch in. Carve pumpkins while sharing your favorite Halloween memories. 

2. Get everyone dressed up

It’s a given that most of us will either make or buy costumes for the kids, but it’s especially fun for kids when Mom and Dad get into the spirit and dress up too. Will the dog tolerate a costume? Put him in one!  

RELATED: Target Announces Halloween Costumes For Kids and Adults With Disabilities 

3. Make a themed meal

Plan a spooky dinner with things like Witch’s Hair pasta, or Dead Man’s Finger hot dogs, before moving on to Vampire doughnuts or the main event: CANDY!! 

4. Go on a candy hunt

Hide individual pieces of candy around the house or yard Easter egg style, or have a pre-filled basket ready for each kid and send them on a scavenger hunt to find it. Bonus points if Mom or Dad can hide and jump-scare older kids along the route! 

5. Watch spooky movies

Depending on your kids’ ages it could be as tame as It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!, as terrifying as Annabelle, or anything in between. Hocus Pocus, anyone? Complete the experience with lights out and plenty of popcorn.

RELATED: ’90s Movies To Watch With Your Tweens and Teens

Halloween definitely won’t look the way we’re used to this year, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it be just another fall day. We can still enjoy the season by upholding the traditions we can and finding new ways to approach the things we have to put aside for now. 

Happy Halloween!

The recipes in this book take Halloween dinner to a whole new level. Get the whole family in on the cooking fun for extra giggles and shrieks. 

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This Jack-O-Lantern tee is a cute way to get in the Halloween spirit. We won’t judge if you keep it on all October long!

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Dress your house up inside or out with this three-strand Halloween light set. 

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This little guy is more cute than he is spooky. He can hang out with us this Halloween! 

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This spooky-themed soy candle smells like pumpkin and spices—AKA, the best parts of fall.

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So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our new book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

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Magi

Magi likes to throw around the word "farm" when she talks about home. A more accurate description would be a rural half acre, where she and her husband try to grow good kids, good food, and good fun. Her work has been featured at Her View From Home, Project Hot Mess, and The Survival Mom. You can keep up with her adventures at www.halfacreheaven.com and on Facebook.

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