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October is here! While the temperatures aren’t exactly autumn like in our neck of the woods, we’ve still gone to the Pumpkin Patch, picked our pumpkins and are displaying them on our front porch. I thought that this weeks tradition idea could incorporate pumpkins so that readers might have time to get pumpkins and do something with them as opposed to waiting until all the pumpkins are picked over.
Each of the following ideas is brought up with the intent of honoring your placed child as well as incorporating any parented children you have into the festivities. Even if your child is not in contact with you, you can take the time to decorate a pumpkin in some special way for your child. Be sure to take pictures.
The first idea I have to present comes too late. (Not very good timing at all, is it?) But keep it in mind for next year, especially if you grow your own pumpkins each year. When the little baby pumpkins appear on the vine, go out with a dull knife or a sharp rock. Very carefully, so as not to puncture the entire outer layer, carve your child’s name(s) (placed and parented!) into the outer skin of the pumpkin. To make it a surprise, don’t let your kids know what you have done. As they continue to grow, the name will grow, expanding and stretching until you have a full sized pumpkin with your kiddo’s name on on it!
Similarly, for kids who aren’t yet handy with knives, decorating pumpkins with paint to make faces, write out names or any other fun or spooky idea can be a fun way to get the whole family involved. If you’re planning on a fall season visit, wait to do your decorating as a family until your placed child is present. If you can’t schedule a visit during the season, be sure to take a picture of the special pumpkin and send it before Halloween.
Since real pumpkins can’t be mailed, don’t forget that you can use your creativity to make a pumpkin! There are any number of paper crafts you can do by yourself or with your parented children to send to your placed child. If you’re very creative, consider making a ceramic type craft that you child can keep over the years to decorate with when they’re off on their own. (But, if you’re like me, just google “pumpkin crafts” and get some construction paper! I admit: I am not talented in the physical arts.)
Also, if you can, have a visit to the pumpkin patch. The memories made and pictures taken will be a joy to look back at over the years.
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For more on creating traditions, read:
1. Favorite Books.
2. Family Tree Fun.
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Photo Credit.
