It’s an understatement to say that COVID-19 has ruined quite a lot of things. Besides, of course, taking the lives of so many, the virus has forced us to cancel weddings, graduations, baby showers, and summer BBQs. It has banned travel and vacations, seeing family and friends, and taking a carefree grocery store trip.

One of the things that many people have a very hard time getting around is that the pandemic has had the power to wreck a few holidays, including Easter in April and Mother’s Day in May. At a time when most of the world was on lockdown, we weren’t able to see family or friends on either of those days, unless it was through video chat.

Unfortunately, as the pandemic continues, it’s becoming an unfortunate reality that other holidays may continue to look different this year.

We’re just a few months away from Halloween, a holiday that revolves around ringing stranger’s doorbells and receiving candy (which is not exactly COVID-19-friendly).

It might make you wonder: Will people have to wear masks—on top of their costumes? Will we be forced to resort to leaving a bowl of candy out for trick-or-treaters instead of greeting them at the door? How will coronavirus ruin one of the most exciting holidays of the year?

While there haven’t been any official alterations made, and it will likely be up to your city or state ordinance, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health gives us a hint of what might come. They recently issued a statement that said families should “be prepared to offer alternative ways of celebrating that minimize contact with non-household members.”

Okay, well, if we can’t engage in actual Halloween activities, what about all the events that lead up to the holiday? Haunted houses, costume parties, bobbing for apples? All of them violate social distancing mandates, and many have already been canceled or postponed until next season. Sigh.

Gosh, will there even BE a Halloween this year?

We suppose this is all still to be determined, but it’s not looking good. In fact, even the city of Salem, the mecca of all ghosts, ghouls, and goblins, has already been forced to cancel many of their highly anticipated Halloween events and change the way kids trick or treat in the area.

If you’d like to hear more about the potential changes to Halloween this year, check out the video below detailing what Salem is doing to keep their city safe.

Well, there’s always a horror movie marathon on the couch. What do you think Halloween will be like this year? Will you still be giving out candy if your town allows or turning off your porch lights? What other holidays do you think will be different this year?