are very important to me. Perhaps the most important thing is that every kid who ever made one will tell you about it. The memory of making gingerbread houses totally justifies the  huge amount of time that you need to devote. Baking your own gingerbread leaves that spectacular aroma in your house for days.

I try my best not to orchestrate the appearance of the house. I should probably make my own next time

each house is unique and they are getting more and more elaborate as the kids’ fine motor skills become more developed. They last just til someone starts breaking pieces off of the roof and then that’s it they’re gone.