The Enchanting Gingerbread House Holiday Ritual

The most elaborate Christmas joy often hails from Germany (or nearby). The gingerbread cottage is no exception. Gingerbread boasts a deep (or sugary?!) past, even an ancient one, yet the charming gingerbread cottages we recognize today originated in the country famed for its festive decor: Germany. 

Originating as a medicinal root from China, ginger found its way to Europe during the Middle Ages. Its zesty flavor aided in masking the less-than-ideal taste of food preserved using the dubious methods of the time. Legend has it that Henry VIII even used ginger to stave off the plague. Crisp gingerbread cookies were a staple across Europe, and it is believed that Queen Elizabeth I had gingerbread figures decorated to mimic her courtiers. Gingerbread cookies weren’t just for Christmas; they were a regular feature at fairs, changing shapes to fit the season.

The gingerbread cottage, specifically, originated in Germany during the 16th century. Meticulously crafted houses, complete with resilient cookie walls and roofs adhered with royal icing, became synonymous with Christmas. Adorning them with thin sheets of gold leaf was a common—and lavish—way to embellish these scrumptious cookie homes. By the 17th century, gingerbread baking was a profession, and the public was only allowed to bake gingerbread during Christmas or Easter. The popularity of Grimm’s tale “Hansel and Gretel,” featuring a pair of siblings discovering an edible abode in the forest, likely transformed gingerbread houses from professional craftsmanship to a widespread Christmas ornament. 

Nowadays, gingerbread houses are a staple of the Christmas season. They’ve evolved into a beloved holiday custom and an enchanting seasonal decoration. For those with a creative streak, a gingerbread mold and royal icing (homemade or store-bought) are perfect commencements to crafting your own gingerbread hamlet. If convenience is key, options like Trader Joe’s A-Frame house, Costco’s pre-assembled kit, and a charming village set with several diverse houses are splendid choices.

Then there’s the candy. A traditionalist might prefer decorating solely with fine white icing; however, for nibbling, additional candy makes it more enjoyable. Many children (and some adults!) find that the more candy used, the better. Yet, these gingerbread houses adorned with nuts, candies, and thematic details introduce a touch of sophistication to the gingery delight. 

However, if edible isn’t your focus, our collection of gingerbread house ornaments and the Ginger Cottages series are at the top of our recommendations. We have four gingerbread-house ornaments: the gingerbread church ornament, detailed and ready to chime Christmas bells; the cookie cottage, charmingly sweet and seemingly edible; the gingerbread house ornament with a dazzling pink roof and tempting candy canes (but don’t nibble on them!); and a favorite—the gingerbread barn ornament, with its cheerful red roof and delicately iced silo. If sparkling Christmas ornaments aren’t what you’re after, and you prefer a holiday display, Ginger Cottages might be just right for you. We believe the most “gingerbready” Ginger Cottages are the Elf Cottage, Gingerbread Cottage, and Santa’s Reindeer Barn. But the collection extends beyond cute cottages to include Santa’s North Pole Express Engine and all its train cars!

Whether it’s an ornament on your tree or an edible gingerbread house on your countertop, Gift All Season believes gingerbread houses are a beautiful, memorable, and imaginative activity to celebrate Christmas.