Halloween is one more thing being upended by the pandemic. Federal guidelines advise against traditional trick or treating, but parents across the country are trying to make the holiday special for their children anyway. Rebecca Nelson/Getty Images hide caption
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for a safe Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic include new methods of doing classic spooky activities. ArtMarie/Getty Images hide caption
A store in Alhambra, California is stocked with Halloween decorations in September. Los Angeles County has issued health guidance discouraging people from trick or treating this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
A police officer stares down a man and child wearing masks in the Lan Kwai Fong area of central Hong Kong. Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
A young girl paints a pumpkin teal to signify that a place is safe for children with food allergies to go trick-or-treating. Courtesy of Food Allergy Research & Education hide caption
Native American protesters stand outside the Phoenix office of a retailer of "sexy Native American" costumes last year. For some ethnic and racial groups, Halloween has long been haunted by costumes that perpetuate stereotypes and instances of cultural appropriation. Terry Tang/AP hide caption
A skull door knocker and cobweb decorations on the day before Halloween in Philadelphia. Bastiaan Slabbers/Getty Images hide caption
Donald Trump holds up a mask of himself during a rally in Florida in November 2016. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images hide caption
A squirrel investigates Halloween jack-o'lanterns in Washington, D.C. Analysts say spending for holiday decor, candy and costumes is strong this year. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption
NPR intern Kevin Garcia endures the sour taste of Warheads hard candy. Why are we tempted by candy that pretends to be made of hazardous chemicals, that threatens to nuke our taste buds, or that dares us to be disgusted? Photo illustration by Josh Loock/NPR hide caption
A survey says Americans are by far most afraid of corrupt government officials. Mark Wilson/Getty Images hide caption
A Pennywise mask from the movie It. Josh Loock/NPR hide caption
Curl's Popcorn Caramel Maggie Kirkland hide caption
A runner passes a ghostly sculpture on display between Bondi Beach and Tamarama Beach in Sydney. Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images hide caption