Fun and Activities

Halloween is a time when games and activities are fun to share with friends and family. Halloween parties can be simple or elaborate. Everyone loves to dress up in a costume and be someone or something else. There are games and projects that all age groups enjoy. Here are some ideas for Halloween parties.

Healthy Pumpkin Cookies For Halloween Snacking

Favorite No Fat Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup pumpkin
1 cup sugar (or 1/2 cup if you don't need it so sweet)
1/2 cup applesauce
1 egg or equivalent of egg substitute

Stir above ingredients together

2 cups flour (Whole wheat flour works fine or 1 cup flour and 1 cup quick oats)
2 TSP baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Sift or stir dry ingredients together then add liquid ingredients and mix

Stir in: 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp vanilla in 1 tsp milk
Add chocolate chips, raisins or nuts to taste

Drop on greased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes


Pumpkin is healthy eating: Here are some of the health and nutrition benefits:

• Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids, which help keep the immune system strong and healthy.
• Beta-carotene, found in pumpkin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Being rich in alpha-carotene, pumpkin is thought to slow aging and prevent cataract formation.
• Pumpkin may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a serious eye problem than usually results in blindness.
• With a high fiber content, pumpkin aids in regularity and bowel health.
• Loaded with potassium, pumpkin may aid in lowering hypertension.
• The zinc in pumpkin boosts the immune system and may help improve in bone density.
  

Jack-O-Lanterns

Pumpkin carving is one of the most enjoyable activities during the Halloween season. It can be the simplest or most elaborate carving and still bring much joy to those participating in the activity.Check out:
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/pumpkincarving/Pumpkin_Carving_Patterns_and_Tips.htm
to find pumpkin carving stencils and patterns that you can download at no charge.

Another fun way to decorate pumpkins is by painting them. painting can allow for endless possibilities for creative jack-o-lanterns as shown in these photos from Sherri Osborne on How.com. Just look what a little paint and lots of imagination can do! Anything from the scariest most goulish to the sweetest, prettiest pumpkin can be created .
This "Pretty Pink Princess" is one of the creative ideas used for a unique and interesting decoration. You can submit a picture of your Halloween pumpkin to How.com and share your creativity with other jack-o-lantern enthusiasts.

Other Names for Halloween

In the United States we call it Halloween. Did you know Halloween has other Names?

• Hallow E'en in Ireland ,
• All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows',
• also called 'All Hallowmas', or
• 'All Saints', or
• 'All Souls' Day
• Hallowe'en in Scotland
• Hallowtide

In the United states we celebrate Halloween on October 31. In other countries Halloween has been celebrated on:

• November 1
• February 21
• May 13

Different religions and cultures observed Halloween for different purposes. Many of the customs connected with Halloween come from ancient religious beliefs and rituals. A few of these past festivals include:

• Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven.
• Known as Feralia, the Romans observed the holiday with the intention of giving rest and peace to those who have passed away.
• In Ireland the festival was known as Samhein, or La Samon, the Feast of the Sun.
• The American version of Halloween Day celebration originates from the ancient (pre-Christian) Druidic fire festival called "Samhain", celebrated by the Celts in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

My Memories of Halloween

When I was a kid we dressed up in a costume, walked around to the neighbors houses, knocked on doors, said "Trick or Treat" and filled up our goody bags. The simpler days. The neighborhood boys sneaking around with shaving cream and toilet paper, trying to spread their mayhem without getting caught. They usually did get caught and had to clean up their messes, just part of the Halloween fun! Where did Halloween traditions come from and how have times changed? There are many fun facts and rumors to talk about. Let's explore some of them.

When we were kids dressing up in a costume was so much fun. we would come up with all kinds of homemade costumes: nurses, princesses and witches or pirates, soldiers or ghosts. We had to be creative and use materials we had around the house. What are some of your favorites costumes? Want some ideas? Check here. If you really use your imagination you can come up with some creative ideas. Think of themes like the Wizard of Oz and you and your friends can do group costumes: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion or Star Wars with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader and Yoda. Nothing is quite as much fun as making your own costume. Ask Mom and Dad for some help.