It’s that time of year when we don our homes with spider webs, pumpkins, headstones and skeleton bones. But this year’s spooky season is a little different due to the global pandemic. While you can still put on a fun costume, you might be looking for socially distanced activities to do with the family.
Here’s 6 socially distant ideas for celebrating spooky season:
Have a scary movie night
Get into the spirit of the season with a scary movie night, or even a scary movie marathon. Whip up some fun snacks and settle in for a frightening time watching your favorite scary movies. Check out these snack ideas to serve up for the family. https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/wellness/4-peanut-snacks-for-family-movie-night.htm
Carve pumpkins and roast the seeds
Pumpkin carving is a fun tradition for spooky season but save the seeds when you hollow out the pumpkin. The seeds can be cleaned off and roasted along with other nuts and spices to make a delicious snack for later. Try this recipe for a chile peanut pumpkin seed snack mix. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/chile-peanut-and-pumpkin-seed-snack-mix
Create low or no-contact trick-or-treat station
To help keep everyone socially distant, there’s a number of ways to still have candy for the kids without close-up interactions. Consider a candy table or candy stand with individual treats laid out instead of in a big bowl. Or do a candy drop on your neighbors’ doorsteps so the kids don’t have to go door-to-door. Find more ideas here: https://www.fun365.orientaltrading.com/article/safe-trick-or-treating-ideas
Make spooky treats with the kids
Spend a little time together in the kitchen with the kids and whip up some spooky treats. From easy witches’ brooms to zombie eyeballs, we’ve scared up some fun and funky treats to create for the family. Find them on our Pinterest board here: https://www.pinterest.com/peanutfarmers/celebrate-halloween-with-peanuts-and-peanut-butter/
Decorate sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos
Sugar skulls are a traditional decoration for Day of the Dead celebrations. They are fun to make, and kids will have fun decorating them. Here’s a great source for molds and kits to make your own sugar skulls for Dia de los Muertos. https://mexicansugarskull.com/collections/sugar-skull-kits
Put together a reverse trick-or-treat by donating to an organization or food bank
Make spooky season more meaningful this year by donating to a community organization or food bank. Consider putting out a community drop box for neighbors to donate shelf-stable foods, like peanut butter. Here’s some tips on giving back: https://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/news/5-simple-ways-to-give-back-this-holiday-season.htm