Halloween can bring joy and excitement for children with cancer but also a little “FOMO” (fear of missing out), especially when they see their friends and family enjoying all the festivities at school and in the community. Cancer or not, since the Covid-19 pandemic started, we have all needed to be a little more careful with the details of our outings. Extra masks, sanitizer, frequent hand-washing, being vaccinated, keeping social distance, and avoiding large crowds are just the basic requirements that will likely be permanent ways of life for every person on the planet. Alas, we should still strive to hold to the allure of thrilling celebrations like Halloween! If your family traditionally partakes in all the ghoulish fun of the season, you will probably need to adjust your usual haunts and flaunts when you have a child with cancer. But, fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep all the Halloween traditions while protecting your child and being cautious of their delicate health. Here are some Halloween tips for children with cancer.

Halloween At Home

Photo by Liliana Drew

As a parent of a child with cancer, it’s perfectly understandable that you might have already decided that it makes the most sense for your family to enjoy Halloween festivities at home. The great news is there are plenty of ways to get in the ‘spirit’ right from the comfort of your home. Getting decked out in your favorite costumes and cuddling on the couch to watch some not-too-scary Halloween movies while munching on ghoulishly decorated treats is sure to make even your most picky critique batty. Check out these personally vetted Halloween-themed movies and DIY easy bites!

Top Rated Classic “Spooky” Flicks:

1. Coraline– ”Coraline Jones discovers a secret world that’s like her own, but better! When her Other Mother tries to keep her, Coraline must be brave to get home.”
2. ParaNorman– ”Norman Babcock finds his paranormal abilities pushed to their limits as he takes on zombies and ghosts to save his town from a centuries-old curse.”
3. A Monster In Paris– ”Experiments gone wrong and a chemical explosion results in a monster unleashed in Paris, but he might not be as dangerous as everyone thought.”
4. Roald Dahl’s The Witches– ”A young boy and his grandmother have a run-in with a coven of witches and their leader.”
5. The Addams Family– “Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is an animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and utterly iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.”
6. Hocus Pocus– “You’re in for a devil of a time when three outlandishly wild witches return from 17th-century Salem after being accidentally conjured up by some unsuspecting pranksters!”

*Source Descriptions: Imdb.com, tubitv.com, amazon.com, netflix.com

Frightfully Fit Treats!

Photo by Daisy Anderson

• Easy DIY
  • 12 Healthy Halloween Treats and Snacks by Yummy Toddler Food
  • 25 Healthy Halloween Recipes by This Healthy Table
  • 30 Healthy Halloween Treats, Snacks, and Recipe Ideas the Whole Family Will Love by Prevention

• Pre-made and ready to go!
  • Allergy-friendly candies made with natural ingredients by Yum Earth
  • Low sugar with just the right amount of sweet by Rip Van Wafels Dutch
  • All-natural crunchy fruit snacks by Bare Baked
  • Healthy “Cheetos” made out of chickpeas by HIPPEAS

Costumes on a Budget

Photo by Daisy Anderson Cottonbro from Pexels

Did you know that every year in, millions of Halloween costumes are thrown away or forgotten about? That’s right, our landfills get consumed with costumes made from sin-use plastic materials that are primarily non-biodegradable. With Halloween fast approaching and not to mention the rising cost of ALL goods, don’t feel shy about acquiring costumes for your family that have been donated or purchased.

You can obviously use costumes from previous years or try your creativity at a DIY masterpiece. But, when you are busy caring for a sick child, a ready-made one is understandably easier. There are many options to find costumes that won’t break your wallet:

1. Costume swap with neighbors and friends without spending a dime! Post your costume or look for one at low cost or free on Nextdoor,  Facebook Marketplace, or your local Goodwill store.
2. Costumes specifically available for children with cancer are distributed across the United States by several wonderful organizations, including; ‘WEEN DREAM.
3. Wheelchair and walker-friendly costumes from the non-profit organization Walkin’ & Rollin’.

Stepping Out?

Perhaps you want to brave the haunts that lurk outdoors and take your child out of the home for some Halloween fun instead. Many community-based options exist. Check your local areas to see if they have timed, safe, and kid-friendly offerings. Some places will likely offer a low-key, festive experience:

• Your child’s/family hospital and/or doctor’s office
• Libraries
• Indoor and Outdoor shopping malls and Centers
• Car dealership hubs
• Farms
• Nature Centers
• Community and Town Centers

Need More Support? Contact Us!

We hope you found these Halloween tips for children with cancer, helpful. If you need additional help; whether it is finding the perfect superhero costume or help at home, or if you are a family with a child newly diagnosed with cancer or know of a family who finds themselves in this challenging situation, please contact Here to Serve. Please click on the Get Help button from our homepage. Wishing you and your family a safe Halloween filled with lasting memories!

By Sameera Rangwala, M.S., M.P.H

About the Author

Sameera Rangwala spent 15 years in the biotechnology industry. As a scientist and research professional, she uses her skills to blog and provides words of support to the cancer community.

All content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical provider in your particular area of need before making significant changes in your medical decisions or lifestyle.