halloween physician families

Halloween Fun When Dr. Mom or Dad Is on Duty

Halloween can be a tricky time for physician families, especially when one parent’s schedule doesn’t allow for traditional celebrations. But even if your physician spouse is working, you can still make the night special with festive traditions, deliciously easy meals, and creative ways to include them in the fun. Here’s a guide to celebrating Halloween that’s spooky, simple, and full of family togetherness.


A Few Halloween Traditions to Celebrate (Even Without the Doctor Parent)

Even if your physician spouse is working, the rest of the family can still start some Halloween traditions that keep the spirit alive.

  1. Pumpkin Pajama Breakfast – Kick off Halloween day with a cozy breakfast in Halloween PJs. Set the table with festive decorations, serve up some pumpkin-flavored pancakes or muffins, and play spooky music in the background. It’s a low-key tradition but creates a fun Halloween atmosphere that starts the day off on the right note.
  2. Mini Costume Parade at Home – Just because one parent is away doesn’t mean costumes aren’t a must! Let the kids dress up early in the evening and do a “costume parade” around the house or backyard. Take lots of photos to send to your physician spouse so they can see everyone’s costumes and feel a part of the celebration.

Teaming Up with Another Physician Family for Trick-or-Treating

If you know another physician spouse or partner whose doctor is also working on Halloween, consider teaming up for trick-or-treating! Celebrating together with another family is a great way to bring a sense of community and make the night more enjoyable for both parents and kids.

Here’s how teaming up can add a little extra magic to your night:

  1. Coordinate Costumes – Plan a fun theme together for both families to make the night feel even more festive! For example, go as superheroes, favorite animals, or a classic theme like ghosts and goblins. The kids will love dressing up with their friends, and you can enjoy some grown-up conversation while walking the neighborhood.
  2. Swap Off Photo Duties – Take turns capturing those adorable trick-or-treating photos and videos, so each parent gets to be part of the memories. Later, share the photos with your physician spouses, bringing them into the night’s fun by showing off the cute moments.
  3. Share the Halloween Essentials – Splitting the load makes it easier to prepare for the evening. One family could bring water bottles and snacks, while the other provides flashlights and trick-or-treat bags. Not only does it lighten the prep, but it also brings a sense of camaraderie as you share the responsibilities of the night.
  4. Create a “Buddy System” for Kids – With more kids in the group, they can trick-or-treat together in pairs, adding a sense of adventure and extra Halloween joy. Having their friends by their side also makes the experience exciting, especially for younger children who might feel braver in a group.
  5. End the Night with a Halloween Treat Swap – Literally our favorite part when we were young. When you return from trick-or-treating, let the kids have a mini Halloween party by trading their candy with one another. It’s a nice way to wind down together and makes the evening feel complete, even without your physician spouse there.

Fun Halloween Science Experiment: “Ghost Balloons”

For a bit of science fun with a spooky twist, try the “Ghost Balloons” experiment! This simple activity combines baking soda and vinegar to inflate balloons – and it can even make your “ghost” balloon float up on its own!

What you’ll need:

  • White balloons
  • Black marker
  • Empty water bottles
  • Vinegar and baking soda
  1. Draw ghost faces on the white balloons with the black marker.
  2. Pour about a half-cup of vinegar into each bottle.
  3. Using a funnel, fill each balloon with a couple of tablespoons of baking soda.
  4. Carefully fit the balloon over the bottle opening without spilling any baking soda in.
  5. Lift the balloon, letting the baking soda drop into the vinegar inside the bottle. Watch as the chemical reaction causes your “ghost balloon” to inflate.

Kids love seeing their ghosts “come to life,” and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a little science while keeping them entertained!


Including Your Physician Spouse in the Halloween Festivities

Just because your physician partner is working doesn’t mean they have to miss out entirely! Here are a couple of ideas to make them feel involved, even while on duty:

  1. Halloween Surprise Box – Send a little Halloween cheer to work with them! Pack a “Halloween Survival Kit” with spooky treats, a mini pumpkin, and notes or drawings from the kids. It’s a small way to bring the family spirit to them, and they’ll love the extra thought.
  2. Virtual Trick-or-Treating – Right before bedtime, arrange a quick FaceTime or video call so they can see the kids’ costumes and hear all about the night. This simple check-in can help bridge the gap, making them feel more a part of the evening’s memories.
  3. Capture Moments in a Halloween Scrapbook – Throughout the day, take photos of all your Halloween activities and surprises. Later, create a small scrapbook with these photos and let the kids help add captions or decorations. It’s a meaningful keepsake that your physician spouse can look through and share in the family’s Halloween adventures, even if they weren’t there in person.

Act of Self-Care: Treat Yourself to a Mini Halloween Escape

While it’s natural to be bummed about celebrating without your spouse, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself, too. Once the kids are in bed, grab a cozy blanket, pour a hot drink, and treat yourself to a Halloween movie or show. It’s a small act of self-care but can be just the relaxation you need after a busy day of Halloween fun. Opt for a classic Halloween movie or something more family-friendly, depending on your mood.


For physician families, balancing work schedules with holiday traditions can sometimes be challenging, but Halloween offers plenty of opportunities to adapt and keep the fun alive. With a few simple traditions, some ghoulishly good food, and thoughtful ways to stay connected, you can make Halloween a memorable holiday for everyone, including your hardworking physician spouse. Here’s to a spooky, safe, and wonderfully unforgettable Halloween for your family! 

Author

  • Elizabeth Landry Founder, The MedCommons

    Elizabeth is a Physician family advocate, Certified Life Coach for Physician Wives, EM wife of 20+ years, mother, and Founder of The MedCommons – a marriage between her tech/business dev background and passion for helping physician families.

    View all posts

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