Jack-o'-lanterns are one of many classic symbols of Halloween. A refresher course on carving one can help those who have not dusted off their carving skills since last fall. A few simple tips can help Halloween celebrants ensure their jack-o'-lanterns are in tip-top shape on the big day at the end of October.

Horticulturists indicate that jack-o'-lanterns have a shelf life of roughly five to 10 days, though an especially cold October could shorten that life expectancy even further. Jack-o'-lanterns intended to greet trick-or-treaters on Halloween should be carved a few days before the big day.

The design should be outlined onto the pumpkin using a dry-erase marker before making a cut. It is easy to make mistakes when carving a jack-o'-lantern, especially if it is one's first time using a carving knife since last year.

Carvers should avoid severing the stem. When many people envision jack-o'-lanterns, the image in their minds is one in which the top of the pumpkin is removed so candles or lights can be easily placed inside. However, the custom pumpkin carving experts at New York-based Maniac Pumpkin Carvers note that removing the top cuts off the vine, which supplies the pumpkin with nutrients and moisture, even after it has been cut. A hole in the back of the pumpkin can provide easy access when placing candles or lights inside and cutting there will not cut off the nutrient and moisture supply a pumpkin needs to avoid drying out.

Everything should be scooped out. The interior of a pumpkin will be loaded with seeds, which can be removed and later roasted to make a savory snack. In addition to removing the seeds, all the pulp should be scooped out. Pulp left in the pumpkin will soon get moldy, and that can shorten the lifespan of the jack-o'-lantern. In addition, when removing the interior, individuals should try to scrape the front inner wall of the pumpkin thin, which may make it easier to carve.

Candles should be avoided when lighting the interior of the jack-o'-lantern. Candles might seem like the most authentic and spooky way to light the interior of the pumpkin, but the heat produced by a burning candle can shorten the life expectancy of the jack-o'-lantern. An LED light does not give off much heat and will provide ample illumination.