Like weddings, birthdays and simply going to school, Halloween is going to be anything but ordinary this year. With the CDC discouraging traditional trick-or-treating, many parents are scrambling to find ways to make the holiday feel special, be it erecting candy slides or staying at home and hosting pumpkin-carving parties for their pod. But one idea that’s gaining momentum takes the fun of trick-or-treating to the next level—while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
It’s called “ghosting,” and it has nothing to do with the dating term. In this version, your kids dress up and go door-to-door, leaving individually wrapped packages of treats at their friends’ houses. Then, simply knock on the door or call the friends’ parents so you can see their reaction as they uncover their surprise. (Some people refer to this as “booing” someone, since many people leave notes that say, “You’ve been booed!” along with the goody bag.)
Want to get in on the fun? Here are a few ideas to get you started.