The Jack-O-Lantern

Tessie has always loved Halloween.  I think from her very first Halloween she was hooked.  Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns have always been a big part of her fascination.  Last year she got to draw on the pumpkin for the first time, and then I carved a face out next to her scribbles.  Today we went to a neighbor’s house to carve pumpkins, and it was a whole new ball game for Tes.

First she drew out her plan on a piece of paper.  She even drew the stem.  Then she drew it on the pumpkin, with much concentration.  I must say, I think it was the best looking Jack-O-Lantern face I have ever seen.  As I started to cut out the top Tessie got very worried that I was going to cut up her drawing.  I explained that I would only cut on the lines she drew so that the face could be lit up with a candle. 

As I guessed would happen, I found myself scooping out all the pumpkin innards alone.  Tessie had made a few ceremonious scoops, and then she was off to play with her friends.  After I took a break from carving to do some socializing myself, I rekindled Tessie’s interest in the carving process.  She sat with me while I finished tracing her drawing with the knife, and clapped her hands with glee when her Jack-O-Lantern was finally finished. 

Tonight, while the kids were eating dinner, I lit a candle in her creation, and put it up on the counter.  She gazed at it the whole time.  It was so fun to bring her idea to life, and I’m glad she was so active in the design process.  It was a beautiful moment to share with my daughter, but next year she will be doing the scooping.