Pumpkin Carving Craziness

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One of our favorite Halloween activities is pumpkin carving. I never know what my kids are going to come up with, but they either tend to go for one of two categories. Their carving is either good. Like really good. Or, for those who might lack amazing artistic talent, they go for the tacky and slightly butchered look. Either way, we have an impressive display for our front porch steps!

My kids start planning their pumpkins weeks in advance, so that when we shop for them, they know exactly what shape pumpkin they need.  Some of my kids, like Josh, have seriously had their design planned out for a year. After all, the winners of this contest can hold bragging rights over their siblings heads for years to come. For my competitive kids, it’s a big deal!

Over the years, I have learned a few things that make our pumpkin carving events go smoother.

First, the kids plan their design before they ever cut into a pumpkin. This way, they are not planning as they go and don’t get disappointed or frustrated if they mess up. My kids normally make a quick sketch on paper and then transfer their idea onto the pumpkin using a pen or pencil. 

Another tip is to have plenty or tools on hand so people aren’t having to wait. I buy several carving kits to have on hand, Kitchen knives are also available. I loved the effects the kids were able to accomplish with this carving kit. It had couple of tools in it that we hadn’t tried before.

I didn’t do it this year, but I totally should have! Cover your work surface with newspaper to make clean up easier!! My original plan was to set up outside, but we got rained out twice! So, I finally gave into their pleading and let them carve inside. My kitchen is on the small side and there were nine people carving in there. Literally my entire table as well as all of my counter space was being used to transform their pumpkins. We had pumpkin parts everywhere!! As a matter of fact, I am still finding a few pieces of dried pumpkin lurking around! 

One of my favorite things about pumpkin carving night is pumpkin seeds! I love toasted pumpkin seeds! And with nine pumpkins this year, we had about 9 cups of seeds to toast. I always set out big bowls to collect the seeds as the kids work. Once the pumpkins are gutted, I wash the seeds and then boil them to get them ready for toasting. We tried a few varieties this year including one that was sweet and an Italian blend. Surprisingly, I think the Italian seeds were the all-around favorite even over the sweet ones!

We have enjoyed lighting our pumpkins each night this week, and plans are already forming for next year! 

Do you have any Halloween traditions with your family?

Christy