Given the COVID-19 pandemic, are you trying to think of ways to celebrate Halloween at home?
In a recent LEO survey, 18% of Canadians and 24% of Americans told us that Halloween is one of their favourite things about fall.1
However, due to the pandemic, Halloween will be a lot different this year. Limits on gathering sizes are still in place in many provinces, and people may not feel comfortable taking their children trick-or-treating (or giving out candy). Furthermore, COVID-19 has also had a negative financial impact on some families, meaning that they have less money to spend on Halloween than they usually might.
With all of this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 7 budget-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween at home. We hope that you and the people you live with find an activity you all enjoy! Live alone? No problem! You can enjoy many of these activities solo as well.
Happy Halloween from the LEO Team!
7 BUDGET-FRIENDLY (AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY!) WAYS TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AT HOME
1. Carve a Pumpkin
Shortly after the pandemic began, people drew pictures of rainbows, which they displayed in the windows of their homes with the slogan, “It’s going to be alright.” Why not spread some Halloween cheer by carving pumpkins to light in your window or on your doorstep? Do something traditional, or let your creativity run wild: either way, your jack-o’-lanterns could put a smile on a stranger’s face. 
2. Dress Up in Costume/Decorate Your Home
Even if you’re much less likely to have houseguests or leave your home due to the pandemic, there’s no reason you can’t get dressed up like usual! Whether you prefer a more elaborate costume or a simple ghost costume made from an old bedsheet, Halloween is an excellent time for creativity (we usually check Pinterest for costume ideas)! Why not add some spooky decorations to your home to make your evening even more fun?
3. Scary Movie Marathon
Halloween is the best time of year to get cozy on your couch while watching scary movies! Don’t forget the popcorn and Halloween treats! Not sure what to watch? Grab some small pieces of paper, write one scary movie on each, throw them into a hat, and pick a few at random. Happy Watching!
4. Make Your Own Chocolate/Candy
Since the pandemic began, we’ve been cooking and baking up a storm. If you have too, and you’re feeling ambitious, why not try to make your own Halloween candy or chocolates at home? There are lots of free recipes online, and we’re sure you can find something to fit your skill level. If this sounds too difficult, opt for Halloween-themed cookies or brownies instead!
5. Read Scary Stories with a Flashlight
When we think back to our childhoods, we remember getting together with friends and reading scary stories from a paperback book in the dark, using a flashlight to illuminate the speaker’s face and add to the spooky ambiance. The internet has come a long way since then, and you can likely find many free scary stories online. Or, stay traditional and use a hard copy of your favourite book of scary stories. Don’t forget to pick up flashlight batteries!
6. Set Up a Halloween Treat Hunt for Your Kids
At Easter, many children love to go on Easter egg hunts, searching for treats that their parents have hidden throughout their homes. If you don’t feel comfortable taking your children trick-or-treating, or if it’s cancelled in your area, why not set up a Halloween treat hunt at home? Afterward, if you feel safe doing so (and can safely stay 6 feet away from other families), you could go on a social-distancing walk to see if you can spot any pumpkins or Halloween decorations in your neighbourhood.
7. Enter Our Contest to Win a $500 Bulk Barn Gift Card
In honour of Halloween, we’re running a special contest from October 1 to 31, 2020. If you are a LEO member and a member of our LEO Community Facebook Group, we’ll enter you to win a $500 Bulk Barn gift card! Learn how to participate here.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR HALLOWEEN?
TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
Sources
1LEO online survey of 1,539 Canadians and 1,001 Americans, conducted September 11-13, 2020.
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