Visions of Sugar Plums

One of my most challenging holiday activities was to be a judge at the annual MacDonald Family

Gingerbread House Competition.  For years folks have paired off to create, in about one

hour, some really fantastic houses all from edible materials.  They

have a short rules list (only one bag of cornstarch glue per team, nothing fake can show, etc) but

the competition is hot and heavy.  We were entering a minefield at best.

But what fun...and in the spirit of making Christmas last at least another

week, I will attempt to recapture some of the joy via photos.

But the houses only tell a small part of the story!

Add to the evening several generations of participants, a couple of babies, at least

three dogs trying to get samples, Manheim Steamroller blasting forth, a bit of

wine flowing after the sprint of creation, a sumptious dessert...you almost get the

full affect: the Spirit of Christmas.

Hope yours was a merry one.