Pumpkin Carving 101

Perhaps it is just me, but it seems that people do not decorate for Halloween nearly as much as certain other holidays (like Christmas). But then again, I suppose there aren't as many decorations in the stores, nor ideas provided in books and magazines for this particularly gruesome holiday. And it is rather difficult to compete with any holiday that provides decorating instructions set to music. I imagine Halloween decorating would become much more popular is the song went “Deck the halls with bats and spiders. Fa la la la la, la la la la...”

But despite the apparent lack of Halloween decorating know-how, I believe there is one decoration that no house should be without on any October 31^st – a Jack-o-Lantern. They are easy to carve, fun for children and adults alike, and they are a simple way to add a bit of holiday spirit to even the most drab of Halloween houses. Plus, with the introduction of Funkins (that is to say, artificial, carve-able pumpkins), you can carve a jack-o-lantern this year and use it for years to come without the worry of mold, mildew, and general decomposition of a year-old pumpkin jack-o-lantern. (A word of warning, however, if you choose to use a Funkin. Be certain that everyone knows it is a fake pumpkin. There is nothing more disappointing or hilarious than a frugal grandmother attempting to transform last night's Funkin jack-o-lantern into today's Funkin pie.)

When carving a jack-o-lantern be sure to keep a few things in mind. First, always supervise any child while he or she carves a pumpkin. Second, never leave a candle-lit jack-o-lantern unattended. And third, even if the mold doesn't bother you, the jack-o-lantern must still be thrown out before Thanksgiving dinner starts. I don't care if you're the sort who takes down your crispy Christmas tree on the Fourth of July, nothing stinks up a house worse than a rancid jack-o-lantern.

And of course, if you didn't grow your own pumpkins or simply don't wish to purchase one for carving, then rummage through the fridge and find a substitute like an squash, turnip, or beet. They work just as well, and actually are believed to be the first vegetables that were carved into jack-o-lanterns.