Today: Mar 29, 2024

Halloween looks different this year

Desteny MaraghReporter

Halloween used to be beloved holiday among students, but because of COVID-19, many students are now anxiously anticipating its arrival.

“There’s nothing to do, nowhere to go” said psychology major Ashley Raymond, a sophomore.

Raymond says COVID-19 has hindered the excitement Halloween she once had.

“Growing up, I have always loved the end of year, because it’s like a trifecta of holidays,” said Raymond.

She recalled past Halloween’s where she and her family or friends would go door to door, knocking and yelling “trick or treat” all night.

“Getting all dressed up is my favorite part of Halloween,” said Raymond.

Raymond said if there was not a pandemic, “I would have been Wednesday from Addams family, I like the fact that she seldomly shows emotion.”

Although Raymond said she will not be going door to door, she said she will still play her part and leave candy out in a bucket in her front yard for trick-or-treaters to take.

“I’ve decided that I’m going to celebrate with my boyfriend by carving pumpkins and watching scary movies,” said Raymond.

Another student who is saddened that Halloween won’t be as interactive as it used to be is communication disorders major Kasey Chambers, a freshman.

Chambers said COVID-19 is playing a major role in the holiday’s interest decreasing.

“I like the fact that Halloween is like that one day of the year where you can just let go and be free to wear or be whoever you want,” said Chambers. “There’s something freeing about Halloween, I wish it happened more than once a year.”

Chambers said her typical Halloween usually consisted of going to a haunted house with her friends and handing out candy with her family.

“Halloween used to be my favorite holiday because it allows me to live as any fictional character I want for a day, I think that’s the part I’m going to miss most,” said Chambers. “It’s pointless to just dress up and sit in the house, so I’m just going to watch movies all night.”

She said because she lives with her grandmother and elderly are the most susceptible to getting infected, she does not want to take the risk.

Chambers said she hoped the pandemic would subside by now to give her a chance of celebrating but since not, she is trying to keep safe by limiting her exposure outside as much as possible.

“The thing I am most disappointed about not doing is going to the ‘Trail of Terror.’ It is open and running but the risk of going is just too large to take for me,” said Chambers.

“Hopefully next year is different,” said Chambers.

One student trying to still hold onto the holiday spirit is theatre major, Francie Ortiz, a senior.

Ortiz said she will be painting her face for Halloween and will be wearing a costume.

She said “prior to COVID-19, I would go trick or treating and hand out candy,” said Ortiz.

The intimacy that comes along with celebrating Halloween is the main reason why many are canceling the holiday this year. Still, she said many people are trying to find other creative ways to celebrate for the kids.

Ortiz said she knows there’s not much to do that is safe and still fun, but she will be trying her hardest to still make the most of the holiday.

Theater major, TJ Blotney, a senior, said “Halloween is pretty much canceled for me and family.”

“Honestly I plan on staying home and catching up on some homework,” said Blotney.

He said he’ll miss being able to see kids enjoying themselves around his neighborhood wearing costumes and trick-or-treating.

“I think people will still be going out,” Blotney said, “but I won’t be taking part.”

Photo credit: Bria Kirklin

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