Halloween

ike any good mama, you're probably worried about the candy avalanche that's going to hit your house on Halloween. How on earth are you going to keep the kids from eating themselves sick? More importantly, how are you going to snag that Hershey's Special Dark bite-size bar without the kids seeing you?

Have I got a scam--uh, I mean great idea--for you.

alloween is a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Here are some safety tips that might be useful for both kids and parents.

This is the Halloween section page.

s I write this, it is Halloween, the night before what many cultures around the world call the Day of the Dead--Hallows, All Souls, Dia de los Muertos, November 1st. In cultures that celebrate this day, it's a chance to reminisce about loved ones no longer with us, express our gratitude for everything they did for us when they were alive, and think about how much we miss them. It's especially important to remember those who have left us since last year at this time.

ow you see them. Now you don't! You can perform your own Halloween magic this season by turning your old snack-size containers into a decorative treat display. Tricky Treat Holders are simple to make. A little paint plus some sweet treats will transform them into a great gift for fellow trick-or-treaters, teachers or neighbors.

f you need some EASY ideas for creating a Halloween party with atmosphere that is fun for older children and not "too much" for the little ones, read on! Maybe you need ideas for a school or community party, and you want to invite others to have Halloween "out" at your house, here are some cool decorations and games to play. (And don't forget the meringue ghosts for treats--and doll costumes.) With these few simple ideas, you can convert your party place into a delightfully spooky place suitable for all ages.

ast, fun and frightful describe this Halloween treat, guaranteed to bring smiles to ghosts and goblins of all ages. The whole family can help make this monstrous delight, just for the fun of it or to serve to friends at a Halloween get-together. "When I told Jack (4) we were making monsters in jars, he let out a happy whoop. Little boys and monsters are a classic combination!" said Mom ( Lynda) Hannan.

f you associate pumpkins only with Halloween and Thanksgiving, think again. Fresh pumpkins are available throughout the winter and its use extends beyond the jack-o-lantern, seeds and pie filling. In spirit of its cold weather harvesting, whip up pumpkin ice cream. What makes pumpkin pie so irresistible is what makes pumpkin ice cream so sweet and delicious-the soft orange flesh (which is packed with Vitamin A). Depending on your patience and time, there are two ways to get the main ingredient: roast it or buy it canned.

alloween is coming! Have you made costumes for your doll friends yet? While the adults in the family work on costumes for the children, the children can be working on costumes for their stuffed animals and dolls. "This idea was very original. This was a great way to decorate for the spooky season without spending all that extra cash," said an Ohio mom, Tricia S. "This was fun because both boys (9 and 11) were involved and they are so proud of the costumes they made," a Nebraska mom reported. Here are a few simple but fun suggestions for getting your doll friends ready for the festivities.

nlist the help of the kids to stir up a batch of meringue ghosts after dinner. They will be ready to float by morning. A fun addition to your Halloween celebration!

Susan (Mom) Kjesbo said, "This was an easy cooking activity for 9-year-old Hannah. She followed the directions and was able to work on her own. She enjoyed using the hand mixer."

f you're looking for a hands-on project to do with your children this Halloween, here's one you'll be proud to hang as a decoration. Make this black cat banner using the handprints of your children. "I liked the idea of handprints of my kids from this year," said a New York mother of three. "This activity was definitely fun," said the Hannans of Ohio.