I can remember as a child, watching my father carve out a wonderful jack-o-lantern face out of a large pumpkin that he used to buy at the local farmer’s market. My parents would make a big deal out of the event; serving hot apple cider and asking the kids for input on what shape eyes, how many teeth, that sort of thing. They made it seem like a lot of fun!
As I grew up and started a family of my own, I had hoped to re-create that type of fun family activity for my own family. But the kids were never interested in getting involved in any way, so carving the pumpkin became a chore instead of a party. I eventually just bought one of those “permanent” electric jack-o-lanterns that I can plug in to light up, and then pack away until the next eyar. No muss, no fuss! That reminds me – time to start decorating the house for Halloween!