We've said it again and again, yet it doesn't seem to get old this year.  For how long we've seemingly been under 'quarantine,' time sure does seem to be flying by.  Somehow, we find ourselves in the midst of Autumn, pumpkin spice lattes, cute sweaters, and the beginning of the holiday season.  With these unprecedented times, it can be tricky trying to navigate the best ways to celebrate while respecting social distancing norms and still making the festivities an enjoyable affair.

Halloween generally marks the start of the holiday festivities with pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume parties, and more.  For adults, it's a great excuse to step out of their comfort zones, dress up with friends, and perhaps consume more booze than the typical night at themed gatherings or bars.  For families and children, it's fun to go to the pumpkin patch, create or partake in haunted houses, and of course, trick-or-treat for candy along the "scarily" decorated neighborhoods.

Unfortunately, it looks like this year will be a little different.  That's not to say that Halloween can't still be fun!  To start, Halloween falls on a Saturday this year - a silver lining, consider the entire weekend can be spent celebrating without having to worry about school or work the next day.  With that said, here are all the helpful tips and tricks on how you can celebrate Halloween 2020 amidst the new normal that has been brought upon by COVID-19.

1. RETAINING NORMALCY

As difficult as it may be, it is important to establish some semblance of normalcy.  Atmosphere affects mindset and mood.  By focusing on all the things that make this year's holiday festivities different, it will also make it difficult to actually enjoy.  yes, it is tempting to lament and feel down with the added restrictions and lack of options, but in order to make the best of the situation, this is probably the most helpful tip.

If you are finding it difficult to compartmentalize the separate the pandemic from the holiday, consider leveraging Full Spectrum CBD.  CBD has been known to mitigate the symptoms related to anxiety, stress, stabilize mood, and invite calmness into our already hectic lives.  CBD may take the edge off if you are hyper-focused on the current events, overly stressed, or anxious about going into the holiday.  Additionally, if you are considering socially-distanced events or small gatherings, but feeling nervous and antsy, this may also help calm your nerves.

2. PRECAUTIONS & SANITIZATION

As we are in the midst of a global pandemic, it is important to practice social distancing, take extra precautions, and overall, be responsible in the activities you choose to engage in.  Here are some helpful tips that you may or may not already know about:

• Wear a mask: Whether you believe in the efficacy of them or not, please wear a mask!  One thing to keep in mind is that flu season is among us and with the cooler weather, it is important to restrict the spread of germs.  Wearing a mask is the socially-responsible approach if you are out and about; whether it's trick-or-treating or visiting pumpkin patches.
• Keep hands clean: While you are out, it might be difficult to continuously wash your hands as you come in contact with different surfaces.  You may opt for disposable gloves and use hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean to prevent unnecessary spread of bacteria.
• Go to the store early: Like any other major holiday, waiting until the last minute to go to the store will likely expose you to other last minute shoppers and more people in general.  Avoid the packed stores and get all of your shopping done early.

3. AVOID LARGE GATHERINGS

Depending on where you are in the country, the restrictions on gatherings and events may vary.  However, in the best interest of public health and safety, steer clear of gatherings with large quantities of people and especially-packed indoor events such as house parties.  If you are looking to host, consider these options instead:

• Go virtual: Perhaps the lowest risk activity under the current circumstances is to keep events virtual.  Coordinate a digital activity where everyone can safely participate from their own homes; perhaps a digital pumpkin carving session or costume contest.
• Outdoor space or venue: If you must gather in a small group or host an event, consider an open-air venue.  A backyard-only festivity with spaced out seating or a rooftop venue instead of a packed bar.
• BYOB for the adults: In the realm of hosting or entertaining, consider making your small group gathering BYOB to avoid the unnecessary sharing of drinks.
• Keep it small: Keep the group small and intimate, single digit attendance is highly recommended.  If you are in an area that does have larger events, try to avoid parades and other largely-packed activities.

4. PLAN AHEAD

When it comes down to the actual night of Halloween, there are additional tips to ensure that you, your friends and family are comfortable, safe, and having fun.  Keep in mind that outside of your immediate household, other people in the neighborhood and communities may have their own plans in mind.  Below are some suggestions on how to approach trick-or-treating and other activities:

• Put candy outside: If you participating in giving out candy, consider going the contactless approach by putting the candy outside in a basket or container.  Avoid handmade treats and stick to individually-wrapped pieces to be safe.  This will allow trick-or-treaters to socially-distance themselves and avoid any unnecessary contact with others.
• Take turns:If you are taking the kids out for an evening of trick-or-treating, avoid following closely behind other groups.  Social distance and take turns at the various houses.  Wait until the "coast is clear" before approaching each porch.
• Use disposable gloves: This is an extra precaution and a great way to keep your group from touching "hot zones" such as doorbells or candy bowls where a large quantity of other parties may have touched.
• Wipe down after: Before indulging and diving into your haul for the night, make it a point to wipe down all of the treats back at home before digging into any of them.

5. KEEP YOUR PETS CALM

Like every other holiday, chances are, if you experience any degree of traffic to and from the home, your pets may react to it.  It is good to remember that you may still get constant nocks and doorbells no matter how much your try to exercise social distancing.  If your pet is prone to anxiety, this may trigger their stress levels and result in an evening spent comforting your furry relatives instead of enjoying the holiday.

For some dogs, the anxiety can also create other problematic behavior such as having potty accidents, shaking uncontrollably, or even running away.  To avoid this, try to get ahead of their stress if you anticipate having heavy foot traffic during Halloween night.

Consider giving your pet a healthy dose of Full Spectrum CBD specifically-designed for pets via our CBD Pets collection.  These products are meant to deliver overall wellness, including but not limited to calming them down during times of high stress.  Whether it is a quick drop of CBD Pet Tincture Oil in their food or a dog treat already infused with CBD, these can help ease any tension that you pet is exhibiting.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whether you are a big fan of Halloween of indifferent about the holiday, there's no denying that COVID-19 has made the event a little different.  All over the country there are varying comfort levels and regions with different states of social distancing restrictions enforced.  If you are looking to celebrate the festivities, you still can!  For 2020, it's important to take extra precautions for any activity your are planning on engaging in.

Additionally, the unique circumstances might be more stress-inducing than the normal Halloween.  Consider Full Spectrum CBD for both yourself and your pet if you anticipate having discomfort and anxiety during the upcoming holiday.  Envy CBD offers premium, Full Spectrum CBD offered in various forms and products to fit any and all of your needs.

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