Pumpkin Carving
Carve the pumpkin just a few days before Halloween if you want it to be nice on Halloween, as pumpkins rot quickly. Work with the children to plan the design on paper and then draw it onto the pumpkin before you begin cutting. Cut off a lid to clean out the inside of the pumpkin and design holes large enough to let light shine out when you’re done. With a special safe knife designed for pumpkin carving, the children can help carve the pumpkin. Check with your family to see if they have one of the special knives – they sell them in supermarkets if you need one. Always cut away from yourself using slow steady cuts. Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh (this is a messy but fun job!). See the seasonal calendar for October for recipes using the seeds and the pumpkin you have cut away.
Pumpkin Carving and Decorating Safety Tips:
- Don’t allow small children to carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers and then an adult or older sibling can do the carving.
- Supervise children ages 5-10 and have them carve with pumpkin cutters equipped with safety bars.
- Use small votive candles for candle-lit pumpkins.
- Place lighted pumpkins on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects.
- Never leave lit pumpkins unattended.