Happy Halloween! Or is it a stressed Halloween? We aren’t sure which one you’ll be having, but we encourage you to be safe no matter what you do. The Halloween special section is one of our favorites here at the Trinitonian, it brings out the creative in all of us.

As with everything else this semester, the way we socialize has been fundamentally changed. Thus far, Trinity has been unique in that they have managed to keep their COVID-19 active cases low. As of this week, however, the numbers are rising again on campus.

Yes, we all want to dress up and hang out with people we haven’t seen, but it’s not worth putting others at risk just to celebrate a holiday that won’t be the same anyway. Stick to the people in your bubble, wear a mask, and always stay at least 6 feet away from people who aren’t in your bubble.

We all remember the shock and surprise when we were sent home in March. This time around, you can control whether Trinity sends students home or not. Think about how inconvenient it would be to have to move your belongings out before you anticipated, and how you’ll have to go through the trouble of booking flights for home, or asking your parents to bring their car so you can move out. It is Halloweekend, but we are still in a pandemic, and you know that.

So be smart, and stay within your bubble. Flip through our Halloween special section to discover fun ways to enjoy the spooky holiday while also being cautious of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. The theatre department, for example, is hosting one of the few in-person events of this semester: The Rocky Horror Picture Show. If you’re attending the show, keep in mind that it is preferred you attend with people within your bubble. The theatre production crew and cast members have been taking many precautions to ensure the safety of their audience members, so rest assured they’ve been planning carefully.

You’ll find other COVID-safe activities to do this Halloween recommended by our very own staff members. Though we must remain safe and minimize contact with other people, Halloween doesn’t have to be a bore. A few weeks ago one of our opinion columnists, Mai Vo, wrote about how dressing up every day, despite not going anywhere, can help boost your mood and help you feel more optimistic about the day ahead. On a similar note, dressing up for Halloween, even when you’re staying inside, can bring you a sense of normalcy and make you feel less down about our unusual circumstances. Don’t be afraid to experiment with scary makeup or a costume that’s otherwise out of your comfort zone. Post photos if you take them, and encourage others to also be safe.

Seriously, we’ve had enough down days as it is, take Halloweekend to enjoy some indoor, COVID-safe activities with those in your bubble. Don’t mope around, we’ve had enough of that this year. We are all deserving of having a good Halloween, so long as we do so without endangering the lives of others. Carve a pumpkin, or paint one! Making a pumpkin look nice is always so much more difficult than it seems. You’ll be proud of yourself and you’ll be engaging in Halloween festivities.