While gingerbread has been around for centuries, the gingerbread house came much later

Prince George, BC – Building gingerbread houses is one of many traditions that give meaning to the holiday season…

According to Barbara Rolek at About.com, early forms of gingerbread were used during ceremonies by the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians and first appeared in Europe after the 11th Century crusaders returned from the Middle East with ginger and other spices.

Queen Elizabeth I’s court is credited with the first gingerbread man.  Apparently, the queen liked to ‘wow’ VIPs by presenting them with their gingerbread likeness.

The first gingerbread houses began popping up in Germany in the early 1800s.  While Kids’ Turn Central reports the fantastical tasty treats appeared after the Brothers Grimm published their collection of fairy tales that contained the story of Hansel and Gretel, the website says it’s uncertain if this tale was the inspiration for the Lebkuchen house.

The tradition made the leap to North America by the 19th Century.

Locally, four-year-old Lila DiGiuseppe was happy to get ‘hands on’ with her version of this architectural delight with mom, Joanne, and nine-year-old sister, Hannah at a recent gathering of friends this season.

It was one of a number of local festivities the family took part in and now, 250News, wants to hear from you – what are your tried-and-true traditions?  Did you test out anything new this year?  What events or activities bring meaning to the holiday season for you?