Halloween "Gingerbread" House

 Make this easy "gingerbread" house with milk cartons, graham crackers and candy!

Recipe from: Gingerbread Journal

Gingerbread houses are a sweet holiday tradition that kids love, and as a librarian, I’m excited to share the history behind these deliciously creative treats!

The tradition of making gingerbread houses began in Germany during the early 1800s, inspired by the famous fairy tale Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm. In the story, the children discover a house made entirely of candy and gingerbread, which sparked a fascination with edible houses. Soon after, people started decorating real gingerbread houses with colorful icing, candies, and other sweet decorations.

By the late 19th century, gingerbread houses became a popular holiday activity in many parts of Europe and eventually made their way to America. Families would bake gingerbread pieces, glue them together with icing, and decorate them with candies like gumdrops, licorice, and chocolate. It became a fun way for families to spend time together during the winter season and celebrate the holidays.

Today, making gingerbread houses is a beloved tradition around the world, with kids and adults alike enjoying the process of creating and decorating these sugary masterpieces. It’s not just about the tasty treats — it’s a time to be creative, share memories, and, of course, enjoy the sweet results!

So, grab some frosting and candy and join in the fun—creating a gingerbread house is a delicious way to celebrate the holiday season!