Gingerbread House Day

According to fairy tale lore, the first gingerbread house was build on a lifesize scale in the dark woods by an old lady with a peculiar appetite for free range urchins.
Her diet never became popular, but her idea of the house was copied by many bakers with one little difference:
they made it more “fun-size”.
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Gingerbread houses have become a beloved tradition during the holiday season, but have you ever stopped to consider the building safety of these tasty abodes? We all know the hazards of bricks and power tools, but what about the dangers of icing and gumdrops?
Fear not, because Gingerbread House Day on December 12 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this sweet tradition while also practicing safe construction techniques.

Why gingerbread houses?

A gingerbread house is not just any old candy house. It’s a carefully crafted work of art. It’s a miniature masterpiece that can be customized in any way imaginable, from classic cottages to modern mansions.
One thing that sets gingerbread houses apart from other candy houses is the use of gingerbread dough.
It’s not just a question of taste – gingerbread dough is sturdier and more resistant to humidity than regular sugar cookie dough, making it the ideal base for a candy house that will last all season long….theoretically that is.

How it began

The tradition of making gingerbread houses dates back to the early 1800s in Germany, where bakers started creating fairy-tale houses out of gingerbread to celebrate Christmas.
Some say it was inspired by the Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel,” while others believe the concept was already in existence. Regardless of its origins, gingerbread houses have become a beloved tradition around the world.

As for the origin of celebrating Gingerbread House Day, well, let’s just say it’s shrouded in magical mystery.
Some say it was established by a former witch who decided to take up gingerbread baking as a career after realizing that children were becoming too smart to be lured into her candy house.
Others say it was simply created as a way to celebrate the joys of gingerbread architecture.

Regardless of its origins, December 12 is the perfect day to celebrate this delightful tradition. Whether you choose to quietly construct your gingerbread house at home or throw a lavish gingerbread house-making party, be sure to enjoy yourself and try out something new.

How to celebrate

Whether you prefer to work on your gingerbread house alone or with friends, there are a few basic steps you’ll need to follow. First, make the gingerbread dough according to your favorite recipe.
Then, cut out the shapes you need for the walls and roof of your house, and bake them until they’re firm.
Once your gingerbread pieces have cooled, it’s time to assemble your house and decorate it with candy, frosting, and other sweets.

To make your gingerbread house stand out, try experimenting with different architectural styles.
You can let your imagination run wild and create a house that truly stands out. How about a gingerbread castle? Or a gingerbread igloo? The possibilities are endless!
Though while it may be tempting to go all out with a life-size gingerbread castle, we recommend starting small for your first attempt. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a gingerbread house.

Of course, you’ll need the right drink to go along with your gingerbread house-building.
Might we suggest some hot cocoa or mulled wine? Both pair perfectly with the sweet, spicy aroma of freshly baked gingerbread.

Safety tips

Of course, safety is always a concern when working with confectioners materials. You don’t want to get a sugar high or burn your fingers on hot caramel. So, make sure to follow some basic safety tips, like wearing oven mitts and keeping an eye on your sugar thermometer.
And of course, always remember to practice safe building techniques!

In conclusion

So go ahead and indulge in this delightful tradition, just remember to practice safe building and enjoy to your heart’s content, whether or not you plan to live in your gingerbread house.
So, go ahead and indulge in some festive creativity, and remember: as long as no one gets hurt and no children get eaten, you have Wild Calendar’s permission to enjoy this holiday to the fullest.
Happy Gingerbread House Day!