It’s almost Christmas. This year has passed much more quickly than 2020, which seemed to drag along in spite of continual surprises straight from a Zombie Apocolypse movie – (does anyone remember the Murder Hornets?) Being so close to December, we decided to start the festivities early with our Grandson. I actually don’t remember building a gingerbread house as a child but there seems to be an unwritten Grandparent rule that we must make one with our grandchildren. Target says so. And will sell you a kit for nine bucks.
So we bought one. Don’t get me started on how many things Target whispers in my ear.
I spent a few minutes reading the reviews before making our purchase, somehow believing that the one positive review would win out over the 99% that stated “don’t expect the house to hold together.” One even stated, “forget the icing…just use super-glue – No one’s going to eat it anyway.” That person has obviously never been watching TV alone late at night with no viable snack options.
Full of positive expectations, Zander and I started building our Gingerbread house from the precut pieces. The kit included four walls, 2 pieces for the slanted roof, and a chimney. I diligently bound the pieces together with the icing sugar and let it rest the required 10 minutes. That’s a lie. I held it together for 30 seconds and hoped for the best.
What followed was similar to a construction site in a tornado, except without the wind. The walls would fall…I would ice them back together, only to have the roof cave in. Meanwhile, Zander chewed on the chimney and continued to put gumdrops and colored candy on every piece, until he realized that gingerbread houses are actually decorated with candy…and then started eating his way through each of the tiny bags.
Eric came to help and started holding the pieces together as I iced as quickly as possible, cursing myself for not buying super-glue. We decided that our house would have a flat roof since we live in San Diego and the chance of the ceiling caving in due to a snow storm was pretty low. The chance of caving in due to the weight of the icing was getting pretty risky.
Here was the best moment, however, of making a gingerbread catastrophe with our 3-year old grandson. Eric and I were laughing and starting to comment on how we were obviously ill-equipped to build a house with literally 6 pieces in spite of being educated professionals when Zander looked at his creation and stated proudly – “IT LOOKS SOOOO GOOD!!!”
It was at that moment that I realized…yep, it did! It looked like two grandparents, covered in icing, and an oh-so-happy grandson that may or may not remember this moment, but had created a moment that we will never forget.
We dropped off Zander an hour later with our gingerbread house. From what I hear, most of it is gone. We’re making another one this week…once again, without the super-glue.
Target – I both hate you and love you…but you got this one right. Thank you for this memory!
Mothering, Marriage and Menopause 
As wonderful as that gingerbread house looks, it pales in comparison to that beautiful face and the spirit of fun and enjoyment had with him. Happy Thanksgiving Sheri, Eric, Xander and family. ❤️
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Happy Thanksgiving to you also, friend! I hope it is filled with fun, family, and friends!
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