As tragic as it is to admit, let's be honest: Halloween 2020 may as well be cancelled.
Although the masks we've all become accustomed to lend themselves nicely to all kinds of creative spooky costumes, spending the better part of a year obsessively disinfecting our hands makes the idea of kids sticking their fingers in communal bowls of sweets feel as dystopian as a packed house party full of "ironic" costumes and makeshift cobwebs.
Still, while trick or treating may not be the one this year around, that doesn't mean there isn't fun to be had.
One family even managed to capture the imagination of Nicola Sturgeon with their child's impersonation of the First Minister of Scotland.
Doctor Alyson Welsh shared a video of her 7-year-old son dressed as Sturgeon, and it went immediately viral.
Our 7 year old son asked to be Nicola for hallowe’en. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all… https://t.co/Shp5VgW0Gd— Alyson Welsh 💙 (@Alyson Welsh 💙) 1604047653
The video, which has ben viewed more than 600,000 times, attracted delighted responses.
@welsh_alyson @NicolaSturgeon @JaneyGodley That kid has funny bones, what a star, really made me laugh 😆— Rachel Robinson (@Rachel Robinson) 1604049201
@welsh_alyson @NicolaSturgeon @JaneyGodley This may well be the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. Please congr… https://t.co/hyjKrV3Tgm— Tracy Cul (@Tracy Cul) 1604048733
@JaneyGodley @NicolaSturgeon He will be thrilled that you’ve seen it! Thanks for replying ☺️— Alyson Welsh 💙 (@Alyson Welsh 💙) 1604051420
Even Sturgeon herself retweeted it, saying the video gave her a "much needed laugh".
Thank you @welsh_alyson - this has made me smile and given me a much needed laugh this morning. What a wee star - I… https://t.co/KkJjms2Aup— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1604048193
And others praised the politician for her sense of humour.
Love this! Well done @NicolaSturgeon for embracing it and laughing along with him. Humour will get us through these… https://t.co/zy2eodUNRS— Tracey Barr (@Tracey Barr) 1604098824
Whatever you think of @NicolaSturgeon politics. She has heart. Love this ❤️ https://t.co/XXMP6g1mU6— Zina Russon (@Zina Russon) 1604083391
Just wish we had @NicolaSturgeon in charge in England just now. https://t.co/KO1PWseNDG— Gerry Newnham #FBPA Better woke than asleep. (@Gerry Newnham #FBPA Better woke than asleep.) 1604137378
Imitation is, after all, the highest form of flattery.