With Halloween only a couple of weeks away my wife and I are getting into the spirit. Today we dragged our son to look at costumes, and yesterday we purchased several sacks of candy. We decorated the house a bit and are hoping to stay festive until the big day. I’ll admit that my son has a passing interest in the holiday probably because he doesn’t fully get that costume shopping is way more fun than regular shopping. Plus he’s grumpy as hell and doesn’t readily embrace anything that has the slightest possibility of being fun. But we can get him interested in some fun things when we try.Â
That brings me to my issue. My wife, a city girl for life, is expecting on me, a somewhat country boy, to pick a pumpkin and carve it up with my son.  Under duress I had to admit to her, my loving trusting wife, one of my deepest, darkest secrets: I have never carved a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern. I’m not even sure what’s inside a pumpkin (seeds?). My father had four sons and never pulled one of us aside to demonstrate the art of carving. I recommended it as a fun thing to do in my latest Halloween podcast, and I’m sure it is, but I’ve never done it.  Dads, I need a little help. This year I’m going to finally carve a pumpkin, and I need whatever tips you may have so I can get the job done and look like a pro.  And guys, don’t make fun of me, I already feel pathetic.Â
ha. been there and done that. my dad also, with four sons, never did any of that kind of thing. but it is so easy. you don’t need to buy a book. all you need is a magic marker, a knife, and a willingness to get your hands sticky. (on paper, you might want to practice some faces before you commit one to the pumpkin).