The ancient Romans, who had highly polished metal for mirrors, believed that life renewed itself every seven years. Since a mirror meant broken health, it was thought that one would need seven years to recover. The right stuff. Always use appropriate carving tools. For children aged 8 and under, the kinds that come in prepackaged pumpkin-carving kits are best.
Older kids can use a sharp paring knife.
Top it off. Slice off the pumpkin top on a slant. This prevents the lid from slipping into your pumpkin. Cut a notch at the top where the lid meets the pumpkin to make a chimney for smoke. Hollow out the pumpkin using an ice cream scoop or metal spoon.