Ask Aunt Lori - Celebrating Halloween while sick

Dear Aunt Lori,

Halloween is coming up soon and I want to do something special, but I'm too ill to go out. How do I celebrate?

Casper

Dear Casper,

Especially in the age of the internet, there are many great ways to celebrate Halloween without needing to go out. I'll provide a few different options, including some that could even be done in bed:

Monster music

Putting this first because it can be used in conjunction with many!

Put together a Halloween playlist! These can be just the classic Halloween songs, but any song that feels right to you belongs here as well!

Check out my Halloween playlist on Amazon Music! (Contains explicit songs)

Spooky crafts

Thanks to social media, there are numerous craft ideas available. Some of them are very elaborate, but many can be done with minimal mess.

I'll link to a few crafts that don't require any strongly scented paints or a huge mess, but I particularly recommend Halloween themed coloring pages. Coloring is a great calming activity that can be done in bed - and then you can decorate with it!

Here are some Halloween themed coloring pages

Black and white pumpkin coloring page with several intricate small details

Video call costume party

If you have a few friends that all want to dress up, but can't go out for a party or trick or treating, consider having a virtual costume party! Dress up in your spooky best, grab some snacks and drinks, and video call some of your BFFs!

Movie night (or day)

There are also so many Halloween movies across different genres: comedy, animated, horror, and more! No matter your current health situation, a Halloween movie night is always a great way to celebrate! For best results, have a buddy (or two or three or more), comfy blankets and pillows, and spooky snacks!

Movie post for The Nightmare Before Christmas

Ghoulish and bookish

For the bookworms and writers out there - Halloween and the surrounding mythology presents a perfect opportunity for gripping and amazing stories. Browse for writing prompts to spark your creativity and create your own seasonal story. Visit your local library, browse online for stories, and local bookstores for stories to send a shiver down your spine!

Get your pets involved

I personally have to hold myself back when the pet costumes hit the shelves. Benji won't let me dress him up in many things, but JD will if you have a big enough costume! My guinea pigs aren't a big fan, but I feel like they need every small pet costume available; they disagree.

My current trio may not like dressing up and photoshoots, but my original four (Kimchi, Petunia, Butternut, and Wendy) let me do a few!