Did you know that our celebration of Halloween actually dates back to Roman and Celtic traditions? The ancient Celts believed that on the day that separates the lighter half of the year from the darker half, spirits could pass through to the living world. To ward off unfriendly spirits, people dressed up in costumes and masks to disguise themselves as one. Nowadays, we don’t worry about protecting ourselves from evil spirits, but there are still many things to keep in mind in order to have a safe and fun Halloween.
Costumes:
- Avoid all-black costumes or fasten reflective tape to dark costumes to increase visibility.
- Use face paint instead of masks that can obscure vision. However, test the makeup for allergic reactions by dabbing some on the arm a day or two before Halloween. Make sure to remove all face paint before going to bed to prevent irritation.
- Keep costume accessories, such as swords or knifes, soft and flexible.
- Layer extra clothing underneath thin costumes to keep warm. Continue reading
There is an amazing amount of ideas online for decorating and some pretty impressive templates you can purchase at your local store. However, good carving starts with selecting the right pumpkin. It is best to choose one that is fresh, has a strong, sturdy stem and no bruises or soft spots. Pumpkins with a flat bottom are ideal to prevent them from rolling away. Here are a few additional tips… 
If you’re looking for a great pumpkin to carve this Halloween season, the best place to look is your local pumpkin patch. The best varieties for carving are Connecticut Field, Howden and Baby Bear pumpkins.