Light up the night: Make your own Halloween candle holders

This project is easy, quick, takes minimal skill, and costs nothing (cha-ching). While not everything can be done by the really young ones there are still things they can do to help. You will need: empty metal cans (fruit or vegetable cans are perfect), a hammer, a nail, tealight candles, and glue (if desired). Remember, let your children explore their abilities and personalities, but never let them alone with lit candles or tools, such as the hammers and nails.

First, decide how many cans you need. You may want them going up the stairs to your front door, on your porch, or along your walkway. Caution: remember that trick-or-treaters will be walking past burning candles with long costumes, don't place the cans in any tight areas. Once you've determined where to setup your candles, let your kids help you count how many will be needed.

To start, rinse the cans thoroughly and peel the labels off, this is good for the little ones. Next, let your older kids use the hammer and nail, with adult assistance, to punch holes into the sides of the cans. When there are enough holes, all the kids can set out cans around your house. Then, let them place a candle in each can.

Now, sometimes lighting these candles can be tricky. If desired, before the cans go outside, take some glue and put a dab on the underside of the candles then place them inside the can. Give it about an hour to dry, more if necessary. This way, light the candle by tipping the can sideways without losing the candle's place inside. Finished, your house is now lit up Halloween style.

Extra credit: if you're really brave and daring, and have some spare wire lying around (at least three feet for each can) you can poke two holes opposite one another at the top edge of the can. Secure one end of the wire in one hole, loop it over the can, and secure the other end in the opposite hole like a really long handle. These cans can now be hung in trees, on a fence post, at the mailbox, wherever you want. Just be sure to avoid catching anything on fire, if more wire might be necessary, surely use it.