
When I imagined a cozy, memorable Christmas kitchen for my new little grandbabies, I pictured a whimsical gingerbread house as the perfect centerpiece.

We’ve made gingerbread houses as a family for years, and it’s always a joyful, sometimes messy tradition. The houses don’t always turn out picture-perfect, but the memories we make together are what matter most.

I’m especially fond of this charming ceramic lighted gingerbread house. We’ll keep creating our DIY versions together, but I love the idea of bringing this little illuminated piece out each Christmas to add extra warmth to the kitchen.

Although our two grandbabies, Forrest and Lila, are not yet a year old, I’m excited to begin Christmas traditions with them. They might not remember their first holiday, but we’ll take photos of them beside the gingerbread house in Grammy’s kitchen and build a tradition they’ll grow into.
Each year we’ll set up the house, make hot chocolate, and share cookies. Those small yearly rituals become the stories and images that make the season special for children as they grow.

I adore the festive Rifle Paper Nutcracker plates, matching mugs, a coordinating serving tray, and mistletoe napkins. Those little details help set a cheerful table. Maybe, as my daughters did with their grandma and I did with my parents, we’ll dress up and take them to the Nutcracker, then return home for bedtime stories and visions of sugarplums.
Happy Christmas memory making!





If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check the collection of Christmas and winter decorating posts and gingerbread house ideas for family activities and gluten-free recipes to help create a festive kitchen this year.
