The Unhinged Halloween: The Shift in Celebration and the Impact of the Pandemic

2020 was supposed to be a great Halloween year, filled with festive activities and revenues for businesses. Instead, we find ourselves amid a panden-ce horror show, where traditional Halloween celebrations have been altered by a global pandemic. This article explores the changes in Halloween this year, the measures taken to ensure safety, and the eerie continuation of Halloween festivities in other forms.

What Happened to Halloween 2020?

In a more normal year, the night of October 31st promises a plethora of activities. Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2020, providing an extra opportunity for celebrations. Moreover, 2020 would have been a year with a Blue Moon, the second full moon of a month, adding a unique charm to the evening. The days would stretch longer as it marked the time to turn back the clocks to the autumn schedule. However, none of these elements managed to shine brightly in the shadow of the pandemic.

The advent of 2020 brought with it a pandemic, and the fear of group gatherings loomed large. Consequently, the usual busyness of bars and restaurants was replaced with a sense of insecurity and safety concerns. Homeowners' associations took it upon themselves to devise specific rules for safe trick-or-treating. Kids were encouraged to collect pre-packaged treats from blankets placed on driveways, rather than ringing doorbells and mingling with strangers. Concerts, dances, and parties were either cancelled or moved online.

Unraveling the Traditions

The absence of traditional Halloween venues did not diminish the spirit. Instead, people found innovative ways to continue their celebrations. Halloween candy and decor were still plentiful, albeit being phased out earlier in favor of Christmas decorations. Hardware stores showcased 16-foot lawn skeletons, whereas neighborhoods featured elaborate and early decorations. The networks known for Halloween programming, such as ABC Family/Freeform, extended their Halloween coverage to an unprecedented 31 Days of Halloween, ensuring a constant stream of spooky content.

Virtual Celebrations

With the physical restrictions in place, online platforms became the go-to for Halloween festivities. People got creative with virtual trick-or-treating, with Halloween-specific candies dispensed through candy chutes and candy-strewn graveyards. There were also elaborate TP roll bat piatas and other Halloween-themed games. Additionally, streaming services, such as Apple and Disney, stepped in to offer popular movies and TV shows typically associated with Halloween, ensuring that the spirit of the season was still celebrated.

The Election Context

Amidst all these changes, the upcoming election added another layer of anxiety. The White House's behavior in the past four years has been described as a Halloween horror show, which has overshadowed the festivities. This raises questions about whether past events will repeat and whether the voters will make the same choices.

Conclusion

While Halloween 2020 was certainly different from previous years, it did not lose its charm. Instead, it evolved to meet the needs and concerns of a pandemic-affected world. The creativity and innovation demonstrated by communities and individuals highlight their resilience. As we move into the new year, the hope is that the celebrations will once again take on their traditional forms, bringing joy and profit to businesses and fun to all those who cherish the season.