Updated March 25, 2015.

When you have a child in the hospital undergoing treatment for cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, it can be a challenge to keep their spirits upbeat. Continuing to celebrate holidays such as Halloween can help kids stay positive and feel connected with the outside world. But how can you make Halloween special for your hospitalized child?

Decorate Their Room

Decorating your child’s hospital room is a great way to set the festive tone.

Artificial pumpkins lit with flameless candles or the plug in variety jack-o-lanterns are an absolute decoration must! How about orange and black streamers, or fake spider’s web to take it to the next level? Finally, making home made Halloween decorations is a fun activity for hospitalized kids and their siblings.

Halloween Activities

As the popularity of Halloween increases, so do the opportunities for seasonal fun! There are many quiet activities for hospitalized kids that will maximize the celebration, without breaking the energy bank. Halloween coloring or activity books, scary cookie or haunted gingerbread house decorating, and simple Halloween crafts are a fabulous way to while away hospital time. Try checking out the internet for seasonal websites for kids if your cancer center has computer access.

Go Trick or Treating

Even if your little ghoul or goblin can’t go running around your neighborhood tricking for candy, there is no reason why they can’t get some treats! Some children’s cancer wards may have a trick or treat set up, or you can have a little candy scavenger hunt organized.

A spooky treasure map with key “candy” points identified is a fun way to give away some loot.

Is your child not feeling up to candy? Some ideas for non-candy treats might be Halloween themed pencils or stationary, socks, or even a creepy book.

Dress Them Up

Costuming is one of the best parts of Halloween! Helping your child pick out or design a Halloween costume is a great way to keep the celebration going. Maybe they aren’t feeling well, and not in the mood for dress up? How about Halloween pajamas or socks?

Settle in For a Good Spook

Looking for a Halloween activity for the child who is not up for much that involves getting out of bed? Halloween themed or spooky movies are perfect for low- day celebrations with the family. My personal favorite is It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, or the annual Simpson’s Halloween episode is always good for a well-needed laugh. Curling up together for an age- appropriate Halloween book is also a quiet way to enjoy the season.

Delay The Gratification

If your hospitalized child is not full festive mode, you can always delay the gratification. As a child, I loved Halloween so much that my best friend and I would have a repeat on Friday the 13th throughout the year! We would decorate, make tiny jack-o-lanterns out of oranges, load up on candy and watch scary movies until we got sent to bed with tummy aches. Maybe this would be something your child would be into?

“In My Real Life…”

Even though your child may be in the hospital for treatment of their blood cancer this year, seasonal celebrations help to remind them that they are still part of the world around them, and that there is a reason to smile. Whether they are in a party mood, or really just want to cuddle and stay in bed, there are many ways to keep Halloween special in the hospital.