its traditions, it includes carving pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns to put on window sills, porches and lawns; dressing up in fancy disguises; "haunting'' neighbourhoods in the darkness, and "threatening'' tricks if no treats are forthcoming.

Of course, bemused householders are happy to oblige, filling youngsters' goody bags with enough cookies, candies, popcorn and apples to last until Thanksgiving! Small wonder, then, that children look forward to Hallowe'en with such enthusiasm.

For some, once the "haunting'' is over, there will be parties to enjoy in homes or halls decorated with witches, goblins, black cats, bats, spiders and cobwebs, and plenty of food, drink and games to enjoy.

As with any celebration, the more children become involved in the preparation process, the more fun they will have. Making costumes, decorations and things to eat are just some of the ways they can participate. Writing poems, creating greeting cards for their peers, and learning how to carve a pumpkin face are others.

Here are some suggestions: GLOWING JACK-O'-LANTERN You will need: A pumpkin; paper towels; black felt tip marker; sharp knife or small fret saw; spoon; small, flat tin can; stubby candle.

Here's how: 1. Wipe pumpkin surface first with damp paper towelling then with dry to make sure it is clean and shiny. 2. Using felt marker, draw eyes, nose and mouth on side of pumpkin. Be sure to leave room at the top to cut off a lid. 3. Cut off lid and set aside. 4. Remove seeds from inside with a big spoon. 5. When the lid and insides have been scraped clean, begin carving out the features with a knife or saw. In making the cuts with a knife, be sure to push it all the way in and draw it out in a direct way so that the cuts are clean and precise. Avoid any twisting action since this could split the pumpkin. When using a saw, use a continuous action, making sure the blade goes all the way through the pumpkin. 6. When design is complete, place a stubby candle in a clean, empty can (a tuna or cat food can is ideal) and set it inside the pumpkin. Replace the lid.

Warnings: 1. If you are a young child, get an adult to help you cut the face.

Do not use a knife or saw on your own. 2. Do not attempt to carry around any pumpkin with a lighted candle in it.

TRICK OR TREAT BAG You will need: Solid-colour paper shopping bag; tracing paper; pencil scissors; sticky tape; black construction paper; glue.

Here's how: 1. Trace outline of haunted house or witch and cut out with scissors. 2. Make and attach sticky tape "hinges'' to back of traced pattern.

3. Press pattern onto black construction paper. 4. Cut out design along pattern outline. 4. Centre the illustration on the shopping bag and glue in place. 5. Don't forget to sign your bag with your name so everyone will know you made it! CARAMEL APPLES You will need: 6 small to medium size apples; one pound of caramel candies; two tablespoons of water; 6 popsickle sticks. Utensils: medium size pot, long-handled wooden spoon, measuring spoons, wax paper.

Here's how: 1. Wash and thoroughly dry apples. 2. Heat and stir all ingredients over very low heat until caramels are melted and smooth. 3. Insert sticks in apples and dip into caramel. Twirl apples until completely coated.

4. Place apples on wax paper, stick end up and refrigerate until hard -- about 30 minutes.

LOLLIPOP GHOSTS You will need: Package of lollipops; white tissue paper; 1 -inch orange ribbon, eight inches long for each lollipop; black felt tip marker; scissors.

Here's how: For each ghost, cut tissue paper into an eight-inch square. Then cut the orange ribbon into an eight-inch length. 2. Put the lollipop in the centre of the tissue paper and gather it around the stick to form the ghost's head. Tie ribbon around the gathered part and make a bow. 3. Draw ghostly face on head of each ghost.

WRITE A HALLOWE'EN POEM You will need: Hallowe'en paper; pencil or pen; ideas! Here's how: Think about the things that remind you of Hallowe'en and what fun you have. Jot down some ideas. Write short lines with ends that rhyme -- like this: Do you know why I like Hallowe'en? Because of all the things that can't be seen! Why, there are ghosts and witches all flying at night Waiting and watching for the moon's first light.

Here are some words and phrases to inspire you: haunted houses; invisible spirits; vampire bats; flying witches; full moon; black cats; October night; shadows; chilling, thrilling; spooky; starry night; rustling leaves; pumpkins; ghosts and goblins; owls; spiders; shiver and quake.

TRICK OR TREAT? -- This is a pattern for your trick or treat bag, window panes, or party walls. Cut it out carefully. COPY the outline of this haunted house with tracing paper before cutting out.

THIS PATTERN can be used for your Jack-o'Lantern's face or trick or treat bag.