When choosing a pumpkin look for a pumpkin that has a flat bottom so that it will sit evenly upright. Look for a pumpkin with even color and unbruised. If children will be carving the pumpkin you may want to consider choosing a softer pumpkin as it will not be as hard for them to cut through. Of course remember that a softer pumpkin may not last as long so purchase the softer pumpkin closer to halloween.
Remember safety first, Halloween mask on small children can cause them to trip and fall or run into hanging tree branches and such in the dark. Consider painting their faces or dress them in costumes that do not require a mask.
You can enter your pumpkin in two ways, either by cutting around the stem at the top and then carefully removing the lid and scooping out the inside, making a place for your candle, or by cutting a circle out of the bottom of the pumpkin, leaving the top stem undisturbed for a vine look. When removing a lid from the bottom it is a good idea to draw out your circle lid with a black marker first so your pumpkin will sit straight. To do this, use a tape measure or something similiar to measure out and around the bottom center stem evenly. If you chose to remove the bottom of your pumpkin, simply place your candle in a candle holder and then carefully place the pumpkin over the candle.
When using a candle for the light in your pumpkin, remember safety first. Be sure that the candle, candleholder and the pumpkin are securely set where it cannot fall and far away from anything that could possibly catch on fire.
Remove all the seeds, strings and pulp from the inside of the pumpkin before carving.
Draw the face out on your pumpkin before carving or use a pumpkin-carving pattern.
Pumpkins do two things once they are carved; they dry out and shrivel up or they mold. To prolong the life of your carved pumpkin simply cover the pumpkin in plastic wrap and place the pumpkin in the refrigerator when not in use. The stores also sell a spray-on treatment for carved pumpkins that will also prolong the life of your pumpkin. You can possibly revive a shriveled up pumpkin by soaking it in a tub of cold water for several hours, then dry it thoroughly with paper towels. Once a pumpkin begins to mold, there is no stopping it.
Consider using a glow stick for light inside your carved pumpkin instead of a lit candle.
Toddlers can join in on the fun of pumpkin carving also...instead of using a knife to carve a pumpkin simply allow the children to decorate their pumpkin with Colored Craft Paint and dress the pumpkin with a silly hat.
For a beautifully fragrant pumpkin, sprinkle the inside of your pumpkin with spices such as cinnamon.
Rub a little petroleum jelly around the cut edges of your pumpkin to help prolong the pumpkins life.
When Trigger-Treating always expect the unexpected.
Trigger-Treating Safety Tips Below
Know the area that you are trigger-treating in.
Do not assume passing cars can see you.
Do not go inside a strangers house to get candy.
Trigger-Treat in groups or with a parent or trusted adult.
Do not push, shove or horse around with your friends when walking near traffic.
Carry a flashlight.
Be suspicious of any costumed person that appears to be watching you particularly or comes up on you suddenly.
Have a trigger-treating route in mind before leaving the house and let others know your expected route and the time you should return.
Carry a cell phone with you if possible to call for help if you need to.
Wear comfortable shoes that will protect your feet from broken glass, nails or other unseen objects.
Stay in well-lit areas at all times.
Inspect your candy before eating it; throw away any candy that is not wrapped securely.
Watch out for the little kids, toddlers, allow the little ones enough room to trigger-treat without being pushed, shoved, stepped on or crowded between the bigger kids.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween.