Pumpkin Carving and Family Connection

🎃 Halloween with Mindful Purpose

In our home, we celebrate Halloween. Naturally, with an American husband, it’s a tradition he grew up with. It’s one we like to bring into our lives here in Australia.

Growing up, Halloween wasn’t really a thing for me, though we’d still give it a go. I mean, who wouldn’t want free lollies? However, I think I got told to “rack off” more times than I actually got lollies!

The Great Pumpkin Lesson (Australian Edition)

Fast-forward a few years, and Halloween looks very different in Australia. It’s far more celebrated now, but our seasons still make things… interesting.

I’ll never forget carving pumpkins with the kids when we lived up North in Moranbah —mind you, it was almost 40°C (104°F). I proudly placed my beautifully carved pumpkin outside the front door. Within twelve hours, it had shriveled to the size of a tennis ball. It looked like a witch.

A true lesson in celebrating an American tradition in the Australian heat! These days, I carve closer to Halloween and keep them indoors where they stand a fighting chance.

Decorating with Purpose

The shops are overflowing with Halloween décor. It’s plastic, cheap, and often broken before the night’s even over. So, I’ve made a habit of decorating with more intention.

But be warned, people , pumpkins here in Australia are charged by the kilo! So, if you see a sign that says “$4 a pumpkin,” that’s per kilo, not for the whole pumpkin. I learned that one the hard way. I piled my trolley high, feeling very pleased with myself. I nearly fainted at the checkout when my “bargain pumpkins” cost a small fortune.

Now, I choose just a few good ones and make them count. It’s simpler, less wasteful, and still feels festive without going overboard.

Plus did you know that pumpkin seeds are a great natural worming and parasite deterrent for our chicken friends ? Yep , I googled that one myself.

A Beautifully Screen-Free Activity

Carving pumpkins has become one of my favorite Halloween traditions. It’s not just about decorating—it’s about slowing down, using your hands, and thinking creatively. It’s one of those rare, beautiful screen-free activities that brings everyone together.

And yes, as tempting as it might be, try to avoid the Google templates (or asking ChatGPT for the perfect design 😉). Let the kids use what their brains are designed to do: imagine and create .

Hand them a pencil and paper, and let their imagination go wild.

A Little Tip for Busy Parents

If you’re making dinner and need to keep little hands busy, ask the kids to start drawing their pumpkin faces. Silly, spooky, smiley—whatever comes to mind!

When it’s time to carve, hand them the tools (safely, of course) and let them do it. It’s going to get messy, they’ll make mistakes, and that’s okay. That’s how they learn—through creativity, risk, and problem-solving. You don’t need to do it for them.

Keeping It Simple, Meaningful, and Fun

You don’t have to go over the top to bring Halloween spirit into your home. A mindful, purposeful approach can create just as much fun—and maybe even more calm and connection along the way.

So this year, skip the plastic, grab a few pumpkins, and create something real, together. No screens required. 🎃

The Curated Harvest x