On Gingerbread

There is something about a gingerbread house that brings me back to my childhood. I am reminded of Hansel and Gretel, one of my favorite Christmas stories.

Snowy white frosting, a colorful array of splendid candies, and gingerbread. With extra molasses. This is my idea of childhood at its best.

Despite the allure of this beautiful delight, I have never made a gingerbread house prior to the Christmas. I have always wanted to, and somehow as the season draws near, I become busy and daunted by the work.

This year, however, is different. I flew to Boston at the beginning of winter break to see Kaitlin. Her family has a tradition of creating a gingerbread structure each year. Listening to their plans led me to finally make the decision. I was going to do it.

Because I had help. William came home with me to visit, and due to his superior measuring and mathematical skills, I employed him right away. He did all the hard work of making the gingerbread house patterns.