Summers are gradually coming to an end. The temperature is going down while the crunchy leaves turn into different colours of red, brown, and yellow. It is starting to become too cold to sit outside on the patio. The holidays are steadily approaching and this year may look different. There will be many advising ways to safely see loved ones and how to protect one another. For many, the festivities are important because, after almost a full year of enduring the new normal, it would be nice to feel the same warmth and joy as in previous years. 

Are All Events Cancelled?

In a month and a bit, Halloween will be here. Not only do children enjoy the festivities but it is also popular amongst the ages 20-30. From the parties to the dressing up, and the haunted houses. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Dr. Bonnie Henry, the provincial health officer for British Columbia, has said “We can have Halloween this year. It’s just going to look different.” That’s great news! There are many ways to still enjoy the holiday while practicing safety. Pumpkin carving, corn mazes, and dressing up can still happen. It just takes a bit of creativity to continue the fun of Halloween. If you enjoy carving pumpkins with your friends, it can be safely done over a zoom call or you can create cute treats to bring to their houses while practicing social distancing. Corn mazes are relatively safe because the activity happens outdoors, and when you’re outdoors it is proven by the CDC that as long as each individual is keeping distance and is wearing a mask the risk is lowered significantly. Trick – or – Treat in the driveway! Giving out candy is exciting and still can be done if you enjoy doing that as a tradition. There is joy in watching individuals come by in the awesome costumes worn and seeing the creativity put into their outfits. Seeing friends is still a possibility but of course, if you are at risk then its better not to.

Always keep in mind the importance of keeping the gatherings small to reduce the chances of getting sick. The same rules follow for other holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah. It is stressed that the groups stay small to ensure the social bubble is manageable. As the CDC mentions, “Celebrating virtually or with members of your own household pose a low risk for spread. In-person gatherings pose varying levels of risk.” All events don’t have to be canceled but it is up to each individual to be smart about their decisions.

What’s the Big Risk?

There have been photos floating around the internet protesting to not cancel Halloween, but instead to continue the festivities. The reasoning behind this thought is due to masks and gloves normally being worn for many costumes. Many do not reuse the same costume the following year after, so it becomes disposed of. So what is the issue? Where is the risk? The CDC issued a list of higher risk activities that are recommended to avoid to prevent the spread.

• Participating in the traditional trick –  or – treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
• Having trunk or treat where treats are handed out of trucks of cars lined up in a large parking lots
• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors 
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Going to hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community.

Even though many costumes have masks and gloves, it doesn’t 100% prevent the spread of COVID. There are many factors that allow the spread to happen. Especially in places with no ventilation is an issue. The biggest issue I’d say is once you catch it your health may suffer temporary or permanent damage. It makes you think, was it worth it for one night of unsafe fun to cause health issues for the rest of your life? Probably not. Nobody wants to go through life with extra complications. 

What can be done to be safe when having these activities? The CDC states that activities are safer if 6 feet of space can be maintained between individuals, activities are held outdoors, and if people are wearing masks. 

Mental Health

When it comes to Fall and Winter, I find that my mood becomes a bit gloomy. It could be due to the reduction of vitamin D from the sun or the constant rain. Often the rain reminds me of the sky crying. It doesn’t help that the holiday festivities are not as exciting as in previous years because of all the new safety regulations. That’s why I stress the importance of taking care of your mental health during the next four months. What does that mean? It means to be creative with your time, do things to take care of yourself. Explore what makes you happy. It could be that you enjoy staying in with your loved one. Watching a movie with a fluffy blanket and enjoying a delicious meal or take out or home cooking. There are plenty of festivities that can still be done at home, like baking, decorating, and seeing loved ones within your bubble. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time, especially if there were to be the second wave of COVID.

Final Thoughts

The good news is that by following these health guidelines individuals can continue living a healthy life. Loved ones are protected from the dangers of COVID, but still being able to enjoy the festivities. Every day BC has hundreds of cases and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Do low-risk activities to prevent the spread and take care of yourself because the forecast shows it’s going to be a long, cold winter. However, it doesn’t have to be as long as you have your loved ones by your side and you are continuing to do safe activities with them. The same feeling of joy and happiness will come back and if it isn’t as strong as in previous years. There will always be next year to look forward to. Stay positive!