It’s true to say, 2020 has put a dampener on many celebrations and activities. The Olympics, countless family holidays and, of course, many weddings have been abandoned because of the pandemic.

Next Saturday, millions of people would have been celebrating Halloween with friends and family, but after London was thrust into Tier 2 lockdown, yet another festival has been adversely affected. So, is Halloween cancelled for the 30 million people in the UK under lockdown restrictions?

It certainly is not. Despite the obvious disadvantages of having to stick with our bubble and social distance, surely there are better ways to be spending this spook-fest rather than simply focussing on the negatives.

Those of us in Tier 2 lockdown can still meet outdoors with 5 others from outside our household.  Trick-or-Treating can still take place as long as social distancing is adhered to. However, Halloween parties and events have been cancelled, potentially leading to many people staying inside with their family for Halloween.

So, how can we improve the overall experience of 31st October?

Trick-or-Treating 2.0

If you don’t feel safe going outside for trick-or-treating, you could use your own house as a substitute. Decorate your home with cobwebs, dress up, and knock on external and internal doors in your house, using members of your bubble as alternatives to neighbours.

Pumpkin Carving

Arguably one of the most traditional features of Halloween, pumpkin carving is a great way to pass the time in a festive way. There are many incredible designs online that you can use as inspiration for your own masterpiece. The best thing about this is the originality and creativity it inspires. From animals to stacking (when you include multiple pumpkins in your design) to glow-in-the-dark pumpkins; the range of possibilities is endless.

Sponsored Horror Movie Marathon

There is no better time to participate in your own movie marathon. At the same time as watching frightening movies on Halloween night, you would be raising valuable money for charities, who desperately need donations at this time, to continue to support their chosen causes.Dracula Untold, It, The Shining and Van Helsing are all likely to get your pulse racing.

The Moon

For the first time for 19 years, there will be a full moon on Halloween.Even spookier, it will be a blue moon, meaning it is the second full moon of this month. More than that, it coincides with an apogee (when Moon’s orbit is furthest away from our own), making the Moon appear very tiny, known as a Micro Full Moon.

So, Halloween is still on, and, although we must abide by the rules, there are still many ways we can make the day as memorable as possible. The extraordinarily rare lunar events make the 31st October even better, potentially being the start of the most peculiar, yet incredible Halloween ever.