Gingerbread Houses

For as along as I've been alive (and actually for about 20 years even prior to that), the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been reserved for gingerbread house making. From what my mom was saying yesterday, my grandma and her sisters started this prior to 1957. The earliest pictures we have are from then, however, my mom remembers houses being done for years before that. We've used the same pattern the entire time. There is a version with a second part to the house, but I prefer the simple, traditional house. We don't eat them. They're simply for decoration. An extra house is always made and given to someone who might need a little reminder during the holidays that they are loved. We've done as many as 15 houses at one point. Its too much when it gets too big. I prefer a smaller setting.
As per tradition, I got together yesterday with my mom and her friend and her daughters for gingerbread Saturday. Each house may begin with the same pattern, but they definitely turn out with a flair of your own.
There's so much to this day that I could write about, but it simply boils down to remembering my grandma and the things I learn from her, even though she's been gone for many years now. Having a little gingerbread on my dining room table reminds me what an amazing lady she was. Merry Christmas, Grandma!