Carving Halloween Pumpkins

It is a yearly tradition for our family to carve Halloween pumpkins.  It started when the kids were very young and continues today, even to the point that when I suggested we skip carving pumpkins one year I was met with loud protests.

The kids are old enough now to carve their own pumpkins and it is amazing to see the masterpieces they create.

While we are carving pumpkins we talk, laugh and remember stories from past Halloweens.  We also choose fun music for our pumpkin carving party.

Once we are finished carving we usually light the pumpkins, eat delicious Halloween treats and watch a movie.

We've tried several different types of lights inside of the pumpkins and we have found that our ultimate favorite is the gradually changing colored lights.  (The red light was extremely effective for our dragon pumpkin.)  I found one of these lights at Walmart several years ago, but they have not been carrying it recently and I have not found an adequate replacement.

It is also a family tradition for us to bake the pumpkin seeds.  After washing them, I usually coat them in olive oil and sea salt and bake them on a shallow cookie sheet in a 300 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until they are crisp and dry.

Celebrating Halloween traditions are a great way to spend time with friends and family.

Enjoy this wonderful time of year.