A quick and easy substitute for gingerbreadhouses that I used to do with students: Ise graham crackers for the walls and roof. Glue them together with frosting and attach the candies, using a pastry bag to pipe on the details f doors and windows. In no time at all you can create an entire minature village of structures, and because rhe graham cracker halves are identical in size , shrinkage isn;t an issue. MUCH less hassle and nearly as cool!( Note the “nearly) Lots of fun as well.

I made one once , the kids wanted to help, by the time it was finished I was so anxiety ridden, I was shaking and crying it was crooked and looked terrible and I have never again attempted to make another. Leave it to Martha Stewart,she can get her staff to do it for her.

I sell gingerbread candles at my store. Good substitute

What the Hell! Are some kind of overachiever ? 17 Gingerbread Houses ? You gotta be kiddin! The world would be lucky if I made one … In fact I did meke one about 50 years ago, and that was more than enough for me! I’d rather build a real house, and they don’t get stale (and I don’t like gingerbread cookies either!)
LUV 2 U / LUV 2 ALL
Wisdum

Re; Wisdum trust me, real houses get stale too. We’ve moved eight times in the last 20 years. Of course that could be due to part of the depressive semi-psychosis I seem to be suffering. As if a change of scenery on the outside could change the way I feel on the inside. I suppose it means I’m still searching and have’nt given up. Of course therapy might be cheaper…then again maybe not. This is theraputic doing B.B. and far less self destructive.

Sometimes though I don’t know if I’m trying to simplify my life or just paint myself into a corner so I can get my house in order and “be done with it!” I’m having a hard time counting my blessings as of late. I find the holidays brutal enough but this year has been horrific for me. I’m going to whine because I’ve got to let some of this sadness disipate into the light of day. I’d kick my own a…s but I don’t have the wherewithall right now. Sorry to carry on but you know where this place is…beyond blue. Not to worry, somehow I’ll make it through…God ai’nt done with me yet!

Lynne:
EIGHT? You’re a piker.
Let me count … including bouncebacks with parents as moves, I’ve moved, since I left college … 18 times in 17 years.
Holy crow, talk about taking the “geographic cure” to an extreme …

I just need to get my damn tree up….for the kids. The thought of getting you all that stuff. But I better! Merry Christmanss to everyone and hang in there; it will be over before we know it!

Re; Thanks Larry, I guess you got me beat! I wish there were a geographic cure for the “blues” or at least maybe I could become color blind? Oh well, I know time will surely tell. Hmmmm maybe I should just sing the blues? I can still sing!!!

Therese,
Since you tried making 17 of them last year I won’t even attempt one and I even have a “kit” for making one.
Considering we are both nuts (pun intended) then I promise to just learn from your mistake and not make the same mistake.
Nancy