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Our most meaningful family traditions are the ones that bring family and friends together for fun and laughter. The family gatherings we all look forward to year after year, creating warm memories that last a lifetime. Our annual gingerbread house party is one tradition everyone in my house looks forward to all year.

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, eyes sparkle as we contemplate the elaborate, edible designs we'll create, and all the goodies we'll consume while doing it. Each guest who attends our party will go home with a "gingerbread" house they have created. Our houses are made from graham crackers and royal frosting. Last year we even found gingerbread flavored graham crackers.

On the day of the party I fill my slow cooker with a hot lunch, put on holiday music, and set up movies for everyone to enjoy. A long table is covered with bowls of candies, pretzels and cereals. The more variety the better. Smaller cups of royal frosting are set at each seat as we begin our creations. I will make many bowls of royal frosting before the day is over.

We build on foil covered cardboard bases, using royal frosting as the "cement" that holds our graham cracker planks together. As we build we must let the sections dry before adding to them. A good way to do this is to rotate working on several sections. Avoid the temptation to add a second story before the first is dry. Patience is the key here.

Lots and lots of candies, pretzels and cereals are used to decorate our masterpieces. No two houses are ever the same, or even similar. Balconies, chimneys, landscaping, and pets are just some of the different ideas we have used. Upside down sugar cones covered in green frosting make great trees. Stained glass windows are made from crushed hard candies placed on foil and melted in the oven. Gumdrops and toothpicks can be used to create animals.

Everyone has a wonderful time, building memories along with the "gingerbread" houses. These happy memories are what have made this day a tradition at our house. Food, fun and laughter make this a family tradition we look forward to year after year.

Learn more about this author, Karen Mihaylo.
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