Carving Jack-O’-Lanterns… and magical memories this Halloween

October 22, 2021

3 min read

Freshly off Thanksgiving, many of us have learned this timeless lesson – kids enjoy and appreciate the moment – and the holiday – more if they roll up their sleeves and get involved. Eating a great dinner is one thing, but stuffing the turkey first is quite another. With Halloween now upon us, let’s get intentional and help each other find simple ways to make Halloween extra memorable this year.

Here are my top five ways to carve out some Halloween memories for your family.

1. Fun and festive treats

Many of us will be tempted to order a pizza or buy a veggie tray from the local grocery store, but the very best option will always be your own creations. This year, consider pumpkin deviled eggs or Banana Mummies. Not only will it pique the curiosity of your little ones, but it might be a good way to get them to try new things.

2. DIY Halloween costumes with the kids

Oh yeah – it’s time to use those scissors to get a little destructive, and creative, at the same time. Whether they love the idea of being a ghost, vampire, or a mummy, buy them the fabric and the accessories they need to make their spooky ideas come to life. This will not only save you money but also will let your kids have some fun and show their creative side.

3. Spooky decorations for the home

Build it, and they (the memories) will come. With the sheer simplicity and availability of Halloween décor, what’s your excuse for not getting in on some of the action? To make your decorating most effective, get the family involved. Have your kids hang the stretchy, fake spider web on the door, string up the lights or assemble the pumpkin display. Sure, they’ll argue or boast but, overall, expect some bonding and who knows, they may even cherish these memories more than the sweets that come later.

4. Pumpkin carving contest

You’ve come this far, don’t turn back without carving a few Jack-O’-Lanterns! If you’re having some family or guests over, consider hosting a pumpkin carving contest. The scariest Jack-O’-Lantern wins – but so does the most daunting or expressive ones. Memories come from laughter, fun, and creativity — but also from our competitive spirit. Be sure to throw in at least one fun competition for optimal fun in your evening.

5. If stepping out isn’t your thing, just order in

Halloween is usually about beating the pavement. But it’s also staying in…especially with a good spooky movie. Whether your family loves old classic movies such as Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands or are old enough for horror movies such as The Grudge or The Ring, spend some quality time watching the spookiest, silliest and best Halloween movies available. But, instead of popcorn, don’t miss the opportunity to spoil your guests and family members with a thematic treat – for example a slice of Zombie Unicorn Cake from Baskin-Robbins Canada. Talk about an interactive movie experience.