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Halloween for us usually revolves solely around the dressing up and trick-or-treating. There is a great discussion each September—and often before—as to what the kids and parents will dress up as. Costumes are made and purchased, with every detail taken into account. We plan and discuss, create and craft.

One thing I’ve learned over the years we’ve enjoyed that ritual together is this: The ability to be something you are not is a great way to break out of your shell.

Last year, my three-year-old was having a difficult time adjusting to preschool. His teachers, having taught all of my other children, were concerned that he would only whisper in class when called upon, never speaking directly to anyone and spending most of his days in silence. Halloween, however, was a turning point in his school year.

He donned his dragon outfit and marched on in through the doors, proudly telling his teacher that he could roar and spit fire balls. The whisper gone, he was empowered to start participating and talking to the other students, and he no longer felt the need to hide behind me when we walked in the door.

One way we celebrated this victory was to carve pumpkins together— treating them with the same care as the costumes, carefully planning the designs and scooping out the seeds to roast as we enjoy our hand-crafted creatures.

How To Roast Pumpkin Seeds

2 cups pumpkin seeds

2 tablespoons oil

Salt and pepper or seasoning salt

Preheat oven to 300º F. Rinse pumpkin seeds thoroughly. Toss with oil, salt and pepper. Spread onto parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden brown.

Cool slightly before eating. Store leftovers in airtight containers.

See what else Shaina is bringing to the table at www.foodformyfamily.com