Making gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th century. Cookie dough is cut and shaped into appropriate components to build a house. The elaborate, cookie-walled houses, decorated with icing and a variety of sweets, became associated with Christmas tradition.
Gingerbread houses also became popular with the Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel. They find a house made entirely of treats deep in the forest.
Linda Fenneman, a Sun City resident, started baking and making gingerbread houses years ago with her children, grandchildren, and now one great-grandchild.
Fenneman said, “I made my first gingerbread house 56 years ago when we lived in an apartment. I have changed the pattern for the gingerbread home over the years. It has been a fun activity for all of us. My father saved the houses and brought them out each year.”
Fenneman started the tradition of decorating the gingerbread homes with children and now grandchildren and even a great-grandchild on the day after Thanksgiving. Fenneman’s kitchen and home were filled with children and grandchildren a little earlier than usual this year; a few weeks before Thanksgiving to accommodate the busy schedules of her family.
The Fennemans present their tradition gingerbread houses.
Everyone has a helping hand in the construction.
“I made a double batch, and everyone decorates their gingerbread home. Even when they were little, they would stick a piece of candy in their home. It’s about the tradition. The neighbors would want to see the construction and parade through the house to see all the work being done.”
This year, Fenneman had all the building pieces needed, walls and roof, in a baggie for every child. “I pick up varieties of sweets to decorate. There’s a lot of candy. My granddaughter, Brehana, drove five and a half hours to get here to participate.”
Bella Gutierrez, granddaughter, said, “I have been making gingerbread houses for 21 years. When I was 18, I got creative and added some toy figurines.”
Grandson Collin Sansonetti said, “The best part for me is seeing all my cousins. I do change up my design each year.”
This year, Fenneman has another challenge added to her plate. “My granddaughter Nicole is getting married, and I am baking and making a gingerbread house for her wedding.”
