Around Halloween, you may start to see carved pumpkins sitting around on people front steps or in their yard. This is something my family has done every year since I was a child. These simple steps will help you carve a pumpkin safely and quickly. Enjoy!

Step 1: Step 1: Pick Your Pumpkin

To carve a pumpkin, you are first going to need a pumpkin. You can get one at a pumpkin patch, a roadside stand, or a store. Around the beginning of October, most grocery stores and warehouse stores carry them for a few dollars a piece. You will want a pumpkin that has at least one flat, clean side for carving.

Step 2: Step 2: Cut the Top Off

Next, have an adult help you cut a circle around the stem of the pumpkin. You will want to make the hole big enough to get your hand inside.

Step 3: Step 3: Clean It Out!

Now you have to make sure you get all of the pulp and seeds out of the pumpkin. This is important, because if you do not get all the pulp out, you will see it hanging in your carved design. The pulp also goes bad quickly after the pumpkin is cut open, so if you do not get it all out, your pumpkin will smell in a day or two. You may not get every seed, but get as much as you can. These seeds can be baked for a nice treat!

Step 4: Step 4: Design

Use a pencil or pen to lightly draw your design onto you pumpkin. This way, when you go to cut, you'll will know exactly where to cut to get the desired shape or design.

Step 5: Step 5: Cut

For the final step, you will want to have a parent help you cut out your shapes with a knife. Make sure you cut all the way through the pumpkin. Once it is cut out, you may have to use the knife to shave off some of the pulp left behind.