Gingerbread 2023

Family traditions are important. Gingerbread Weekend is always one we enjoy and hold sacred. 

Way back in 2012 when I said "I have always wanted to make a gingerbread house." and I meant "Let's go to Target and buy a kit." I couldn't have dreamed that we'd still be making them annually from scratch. 

Yet here we are. And I honestly think this is my favorite house we've ever made. Our inspo was a fairy-tale English Cottage set in a tranquil country garden. Snuggle up by an old stone fireplace and enjoy a cup of cocoa. An enchanting oasis of tranquility in a quiet English hamlet just forty minutes from exciting London. 

In other words, the perfect home for a doodle prodigy. 

Just for transparency, I bought the wrong kind of shredded wheat so I didn't get to make the trees I wanted to. And I also had to let go of my plan for a garden wall. Doesn't stop me from loving the house. 

Way back when we started, I couldn't imagine there'd come a time when I had nothing to do with the kid houses. But that's where we are now! I did nothing to help C except hold his roof at one point while it dried. 

M still required a little bit of help because she's not great at a piping bag just yet. But it's coming. I can see it. 

Here are some process pics for proof that we actually created them. 

Since I use my blog as my annual check-in of "what to remember for next year" here is my list: 

• Buy paintbrushes. (They came in handy!)
• You don't need to buy cake boards. 
• Mini Airheads were popular. 
• Go scan the cereal aisle a bit when you think roof. 
• Use the paddle attachment for the icing. 

We've come a long way in 12 years. I wonder where next year will take us?