Like many events and holidays, Halloween is going to look quite different this year for many Americans. As pointed out from the CDC, or – Center for Disease Control and Prevention, many traditions on this holiday are considered high-risk for COVID-19 transmission. The neighborhood we live in does not usually have Halloween celebrations and the NJ governor has not yet given a final word on rules and regulations for this year’s Halloween festivities. So, for many families that enjoy celebrating this holiday, things are really unsure as of now.
In our family, we do not really celebrate the holiday. Our kids are very little (one and three years old) and they do not understand about the virus going on. So I have decided that, just like other 2020 events and holidays, I will just take the opportunity to focus on the positive aspects of autumm such as celebrating God’s gifts, sharing treats and having family fun all while keeping social distance, maintaining a safe environment and enjoying all that this season has to offer.
I have thought about some reimagined activities to do with my kids that are easy to accomplish and will become some of our yearly traditions. To make it more interesting and fun I will add some Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins as our go -to snack.

As you guys might have noticed, when it comes to snacking I like to choose better choices for my kids. I am always so grateful for Sun-Maid which is a brand that I trust and is always there to provide better -for -you snacks that taste delicious and the kids enjoy. In our house we are particularly a big fans of the Yogurt Covered Raisins, which are a twist on Sun-Maid’s classic California Sun-Dried Raisins, non-GMO and its versatile for all members of my family.
I love how this Halloween season they came up with a really fun limited-edition Sun-Maid Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisin with special glow-in-the-dark packaging, available online at Walmart and Amazon. These Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisin are “dressed up” to taste like an indulgent treat, yet made with whole fruit so that we as moms can feel more in control during this crazy season marked by sugary candy. All you have to do is place the packages under a blacklight for about 5 to 10 seconds or you can use a flashlight or your smartphone light for about 15-30 seconds to see the glow.
So, with the main sweet treat in hand, I have brainstormed a few ideas that are perfect if you are looking for social distancing and that the kids can enjoy and learn from it.

Create a Kindeness Jar
Small kids love a little treat. Fill a jar with Sun-Maid Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins and sit down with with your children and explain that your family is going to help each other show kindness by using a “Kindness Jar”. Everytime your little one is caught being kind, he will get to take a pack of treat from the jar. If it’s night time, turn off the lights and let them play with the special glow-in-the-dark packaging. We already started this activity home and it’s been a success!

Plan a Nature Walk/Hunt
I have thought about many DIY projects, but let’s be honest, with a toddler and a pre-schooler it’s very hard to get crafts going without making a mess. So my idea was to go on a hunt for all things Fall to make a nature board at home. DryIY crafts like this can still be fun and the kids love. We picked a nice park by our house and walked hunting for nature items like colored leaves, sticks, acorns and all different things we could find. Then came home and glue it all to a cardboard. While we were outside I handed a bag with Sun-Maid Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins packs for each kid so they could snack at it while walking and having fun in nature.

Host a Reverse Trick or Treat
This is a great opportunity to teach your kids to look beyond themselves, to serve and connect with others. You can start by explaining that because of this years circunstances, trick or treat is not possible as the usual way but that you will use this opportunity to help someone in need. For example, choose an organization or a person in need, gather donations and put it all in a box. Have your kids help you make a little extra treat with a nice quote or a hand written note and a bag with some candy. Leave it ion the porch for pick up or have it dropped off to that person in need.

Coloring and Reading Pumpkin or Halloween Books.
My boy is scared of anything monster -related so I stay away from it. Instead I buy pumpking and fall -related books and coloring books and let them be creative. I give them some Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins to snacks while at it. What else could a toddler and a pre- schooler ask for? 🙂

How will you be adapting your traditions this year? I hope my ideas and tips can help bring some light to your family and comunity this Halloween season.
The new limited- edition Sun-Maid Chocolate & Vanilla Yogurt Covered Raisins with special glow-in-the-dark packaging is available for purchase via walmart.com in a special variety pack that includes 18 fun size pouches for $5.99.