Feeling Spooky?

Halloween is a long-standing tradition. And it's more than treat-or-treats or putting on a mask. Here are some fun activities to share around this holiday -- and some broader insights about this holiday.

CONNECT:
- So where did Halloween begin? Read about its history at http://www.halloweenhistory.org and the History Channel: http://www.history.com/topics/halloween
- Have Halloween fun thanks to Ben & Jerry's:  http://www.benjerry.com/halloween/
- What is the meaning of Halloween symbols? Wikipedia has a good article on that, with several links to specific items: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
- How is Halloween celebrated around the world? Check out traditions at http://www.jackolanterns.net/traditions.htm
- Dia de los Muertos is celebrated in many parts of the Western Hemisphere. Here is a good site from Arizona about Day of the Dead: http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/
- How about reading poetry about Halloween? A good collection is found at http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/417

CREATE:
- Here are some fun recipes for the season. You might even consider giving them as Halloween treats. http://recipes.kaboose.com/holidays/halloween-recipes/halloween-recipes.html and http://allrecipes.com/recipes/holidays-and-events/halloween/
- What's Halloween in the U.S. without pumpkins? Here is a site all about pumpkins, including growing your own: http://www.pumpkin-patch.com/. You can also learn how to carve a pumpkin by exploring http://www.pumpkin-carving.com/
- Why spend money on costumes when you can be creative with items around the home? http://www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm and http://www.familycorner.com/dir/Family/Holidays/Halloween/Costume_Ideas/
- How about putting on a Halloween party? It's safer than roaming the neighborhood. You can find ideas about planning and games at http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/kids-halloween-party-ideas.htm

CARE:
- Unfortunately, Halloween can led to more tricks than treats. Here are some ways to stay safe at Halloween -- and care for youngsters during this holiday.
http://www.cdc.gov/family/halloween/
http://www.halloween-safety.com/http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/play.html
- UNICEF has been involved in Halloween since 1950 in helping children in need. Here is some background about their efforts, and how you can participate. Even if you don't want to collect for UNICEF, you kids can design a Halloween character for UNICEF. Check out the details at http://youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/
- Here's an original way to combine Halloween and the election season: carve political pumpkins! Here are some patterns to inspire you: http://www.spookmaster.com/pumpkin-carving-patterns-browse-political.htm
- It can be hard to talk about death and dying. Here is some good advice: http://www.hospicenet.org/html/talking.html

CAREERS:
Really? Halloween careers? Well, there's Halloween themes at theme parks, costume designer, make-up artist, chef. There's a whole Halloween industry: http://www.ehow.com/how_6310803_job-halloween-industry.html 
You can brainstorm others too. Check out some of the possibilities:
http://www.theartcareerproject.com/get-behind-the-scenes-with-a-costume-design-career/349/
http://education-portal.com/career_information_on_chef.html
http://education-portal.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Party_Planner_Education_and_Career_Roadmap.html
http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?id=&level=&optstatus=111111111&nodeid=2&soccode=395091&stfips=12
And based on the tradition of All Hallows Evening, there are religious vocations too. Here are a couple of websites for teens:
http://www.ou.edu/religiousstudies/Careers/Careerspage.htm
http://www.religiousministries.com/editorial/index.asp


To Parents:
This set of activities tries to explore a variety of cultural traditions related to Halloween rather than focusing on commercial or occult practices. As your children explore Halloween websites, you should probably do this as a family activity since many different groups will present ideas that may be uncomfortable for your family.