The secret of a gingerbread house.

Bella Rose with her first gingerbread house.

     A smile! I personally hate gingerbread cookies but I love the magic of a gingerbread house. I have gone to visit a dying person in a nursing home with one in hand and there is no talk of death, but of love and beauty. I have sent one to a loved one who has moved far away and I get a thank you call full of tear, happiness and memories. It is a gift that gives back!
I receive as much, if not more, pleasure then the recipient. As a girl scout leader I challenged my troop to auction off gingerbread houses for charity.  My daughter Amy's gingerbread house took the highest bid. Who knew that she would eventually graduate in product design? Her windows looked like stained glass and she had a light inside to show them off!
     Last year I made a gingerbread house for my first grandchild, Bella Rose. Her mommy and daddy got the pleasure of eating the gingerbread house. I have the pleasure of this picture for years to come. I am looking forward to making a second gingerbread house for Bella and will decorate it with things that she can eat.  Happy holidays to all and when you see a gingerbread house, smile in the company of food!