The COVID-19 pandemic has halted numerous holidays for almost two full years. This year, the COVID vaccine was made available to countless people around the world, and social activities like Halloween have returned thanks to safer exposure numbers. 

The first holiday back to normal from the pandemic, many in Bastrop enjoyed Halloween with relatively no panic or worry. “At least around here, people are all for it,” said senior Wyatt Monk. “It’s very positive, especially for a lot of younger kids who didn’t get to dress up last year.” Parents and children have had a long time to prepare for this year’s Halloween, and people went all out. 

Engaging in social activities has been such a relief for almost everybody that experienced the pandemic, considering the absence of opportunity to socialize in a long time. “The fact that we didn’t have Halloween last year makes me want to dress up that much more,” said Monk. The excitement of Halloween had been postponed for a full year, so enthusiasm has been through the roof. 

Anxiety surrounding COVID-19 has been vastly reduced since the vaccine became available, allowing time for the more traditionally enjoyable aspects of life. “I don’t think many high schoolers are worried about COVID at this point,” said senior Yabdiel Ubiles-Lebron, Senior Class President. “There’s not really people protecting themselves anymore.” Mask policies have loosened up vastly over the past year, and masks are seen on fewer faces. “After a year of not having any normal holidays, I’m really happy that we got the opportunity to somewhat fully enjoy Halloween again,” said Ubiles-Lebron. “There is still a long way to go but this is a good stepping stone.”