The Joy of a Gingerbread House EVERYTHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY TRADITION
THE LARGEST GINGERBREAD HOUSE In 2013, the world record for the largest gingerbread house in the world was broken. The house, topping out at 21 feet and covering 2,520 square feet, was built by Traditions Golf Club in Bryan, Texas, to raise money for a local Level II trauma center. To construct the house, builders created a recipe that required 1,800 pounds of butter, 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 7,200 eggs, 7,200 pounds of flour, 1,080 ounces of ground ginger, and a few additional ingredients. BUILD YOUR OWN! While you don’t have to challenge yourself to beat the Guinness World Record, you can still have fun creating your very own gingerbread village. Starting your gingerbread house from scratch can be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Give the kids a chance to mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and set out plenty of candies and frostings to use, and remember to have fun! If you’re looking for unique gingerbread house ideas, take a look at 20 gingerbread house ideas at TasteofHome.com/collection/ gingerbread-houses. PRESIDENT LINCOLN’S COTTAGE Break away from the crowds at the National Mall to visit this historical site across town. Lincoln’s former home gives visitors an in-depth look at his private and public life where he worked for over a quarter of his presidency. It’s where he developed the Emancipation Proclamation, and the museum fosters the importance of fighting for freedom. You and your kids will love learning new facts about this popular president. SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY If your kids (or you!) love animals and nature, this museum is a must. It’s great for taking a break from historical monuments, but still offers plenty to see and learn. The museum boasts a collection of over 145 million specimens and artifacts relating to all things plants, animals, and beyond. The Hall of Mammals, Butterfly Pavilion, and Sea Monsters Unearthed are just a few of the exhibits that will captivate the whole family. You could take a dozen trips to Washington, D.C., and still not experience all it has to offer. We urge you to get out and explore all of its fascinating history and instill your family with wonder and pride. THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN GET BEHIND
Of the many seasonal traditions that sweep our nation, few are as creative, delicious, and satisfying as building your very own gingerbread house. Whether you’re looking to create a simple table decoration or bake a tasty treat to nibble on, everyone can enjoy this holiday activity!
THE ORIGINS OF GINGERBREAD Ginger was first cultivated in ancient China, then traded into medieval Europe. There, Europeans incorporated it into culinary traditions and used it to bake cookies into elaborate shapes and works of art, including figures of animals and people. The gingerbread house first appeared in the early 19th century in Germany. Although historians don’t know an exact date, it’s speculated that it gained popularity around the same time that “Hansel and Gretel,” the popular fairy tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm, was published. D.C. Destinations
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Our nation’s capital has endless things to do and see. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, narrowing down your choices can be tough. So, we’ve got some great suggestions for places the whole family will enjoy. THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT When in Washington, D.C., how can you not visit its namesake monument? Completed in 1884, it was the tallest building in the world at the time. While no longer boasting that title, at 555-feet tall, it’s still a marvel to behold. Start your day of playing tourist by strolling through the National Mall, then purchase a ticket to the monument’s top and prepare yourself for a breathtaking view.
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