5 Unusual gingerbread house alternatives = family traditions

Unusual gingerbread house alternatives

This year we wanted to try and shake up our traditions a bit. In the past, we’ve often made gingerbread houses.

This year? We decided to skip the gingerbread. It was off limits.

Instead, we made a game of it. We headed to the grocery store and bought highly nontraditional building supplies.

Every participant chose things that would be odd and surprising.

(if you prefer more traditional ideas, check these out)

What are gingerbread house alternatives?

Here is how it works- every person draws a paper that lists one of three things: an adhesive, something for walls, and a decorative “item”.

We chose a few things that were free for anyone to use, like sprinkles and shredded coconut.

Search the cupboards for items you need to use up.

There were a few moans as people drew items that seemed disgusting and impossible to work with. (If you are set on traditional gingerbread cookies, here is a popular recipe)

That was the funniest part, we had lots of laughter too. The best part about this new tradition? Anyone can join in.

Great-grandparents down to small children can all join in and create memories together.

“During the holiday season, in fact all year long, wrap yourself around another’s presence, not presents.” – Christine E. Szymanski

Beware of crumbling walls and insufficient “mortar”.

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

House #1: graham crackers, Nutella and licorice

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” – Bob Hope

House #2: pop tarts, marshmallow creme, and gummy bears

“I love how Christmas reminds us to pause and reflect on the important things around us like family, friends, and all the things money can’t buy.”- Proud Happy Mama

House #3: lasagna noodles, icing, and peanut brittle

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken

House #4: pizzelle cookies, chocolate chips, and frosting

“It’s true, Christmas can feel like a lot of work, particularly for mothers. But when you look back on all the Christmases in your life, you’ll find you’ve created family traditions and lasting memories. Those memories, good and bad, are really what help to keep a family together over the long haul.” – Caroline Kennedy

The hardest was #5: Triscuit crackers, veggie straws, and cheese whiz

“I sincerely hope your Christmas…may abound in the gaieties which the season generally brings…”— Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

For fun judging, we put them on Facebook and only listed the numbers, requesting votes.

I hope your family enjoys this super fun activity, and maybe you’ll enjoy our favorite Ginger Molasses cookies to have as a snack! Merry Christmas ♥

P.S. This new tradition was born in the face of being far from our extended family for Christmas. Determined to help our kids embrace a new tradition, even in the midst of a mama’s own hurting heart, is how we began.

If YOU are hurting this season? Please, extend yourself grace. Have fun when and where and however you can. God bless you and yours ♥