National Gingerbread Day is……..not December 5th, but June 5th. Do you think that’s strange? Maybe it just seems strange because here in the United States we think of gingerbread as a holiday time food. At least I do, I guess. Last night was our monthly Family Night at my brother’s house. He and his wife started this tradition when their son was a baby so he would really know his aunts, uncles and cousins as he grew up by having them as part of his life on a regular basis. We get together for dinner, once a month, and sometimes do crafts or play games, and last night was Gingerbread House Night! Marlene, my brother’s MIL, made the houses and ginger-people for us over the weekend, bless her heart! Marlene has been doing this with her daughters for 30+ years!

We had a LOT of fun decorating these!

Here is my sister’s house with her lovely family of four ready to go sledding!

and Robby and his Mommy’s house decorated with lots of YELLOW candy…(Yellow is KING in Robby’s world)…

This is my house, and Molly’s house from the back…love Molly’s pretzel fence!


I even learned some Gingerbread lore, like did you know it’s unlucky to have a closed door on your Gingerbread House? And every house should have a heart on it to ward off evil?

The newest addition to the family sat this one out, taking a snooze with his uncle on the sofa…

Robby gives the Tour of Homes to his Daddy at the end of the evening…

This was a great family activity, a little messy, but loads of fun! You might want to give it a try at one of your own family nights! Here’s a great recipe and tips to get you started… Or you could buy a kit… Or find a Gingerbread Angel like Marlene to make your houses for you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and Gingerbread Blessings to you and yours!