‘Magic is really very simple; all you’ve got to do is want something and then let yourself have it.’ 

Halloween is coming in less than a week, and this means that it is time for fun! 

This year Halloween will be a little bit different for everyone, knowing the current pandemic situation. There is no reason, however, to cancel Halloween celebration! 

Halloween would not be Halloween without fun activities. It is a holiday tradition to do at least one activity to feel the Halloween spirit. 

There are many ways to get into Halloween spirit, despite COVID-19, but here are some ideas to do with family or friends. 

If you are looking for some fun movie nights with your friends and family, then you will enjoy watching Halloween movies at The River Cinema 15 in East Grand Forks. There are Halloween movies playing for the rest of the month of October that will bring you old-time memories and joy. You will be able to watch old-time favorite movies, such as Monsters, Inc., The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, and The Addams Family. You will enjoy watching these movies with your family and friends.  

If you are looking for something spookier and nerve-shaking, then, you will enjoy new releases such as The Empty Man and The Call, but be prepared to get scared in advance! 

For those of you who like live performances, you will enjoy the Halloween online production of Spooky Cabaret presented by Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre. Filmed on the Fire Hall stage, this cabaret performance is sure to leave you with chills, according to Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre website. You will be able to watch the show by making a donation of at least $5. After the donation, you will be emailed a link with viewing instructions. Tickets available on www.eventbrite.com, and on the GGFCT website. Spooky Cabaret will be playing from October 24th through October 31st. 

If you haven’t done it yet, it is time to decorate your house. It does not have to be something complicated but rather fun and simple. You can light up candles, and make some spooky origami, and you will see how easy it is to create the holiday spirit. 

If you want to learn some simple ways to feel Halloween spirit, then one of them is to make hot drinks such as hot cocoa with marshmallow toppings, apple cider, pumpkin spice flavored coffee, or cinnamon tea. These drinks will make you warm and boost your Halloween spirit.  

Make some Halloween treats. Here you can use your imagination: get some colorful sprinkles, chocolate chips, and other delicious toppings and create magic! You can make whatever you want: cookies, muffins, cupcakes, pies, cakes, you name it! The most important: do not forget to have fun! 

Bring on the Boos. Have you been Booed? You can do reverse trick-or-treating by dropping off small gift bags of candy on the porches of your neighbors and friends, according to the bannerhealth.com website. You will bring joy to yourself and to your neighbors and friends. 

It is not too late to carve pumpkins, especially when you have your loved ones around. Make it your special Halloween project, put on some spooky music, find some inspirational pictures of carved pumpkins on the internet, grab a cup of your favorite hot drink and start creating the Halloween magic! You will feel the holiday spirit, guaranteed! 

And last but not least, eat some of your favorite candies, pumpkin pie or other treats. After all the work you’ve done, you deserve a treat! 

Please use some of these suggestions, and then you will find your Halloween spirit. Have fun! 

Olga Kopp is a Dakota Student Art and Community Writer. She can be reached at [email protected]