Gingerbread Decorating Day

Gingerbread Decorating Day is in the United States on the second Saturday in December. It’s a day for creative individuals who don’t mind spending some time on a fun activity! Everyone can take part – both children and adults – so why not join in?

History

The origin of the holiday is unknown; however, we know a lot about gingerbread! It is believed that the first traces of it were discovered during the opening of ancient Egyptian tombs, dating back to around 350 BC. The modern form of the treat came to us from Belgium, and then spread throughout Europe and the world.

Today, decorating gingerbread is a great pre-holiday activity. In the 17th century, only certain confectioners who had earned the trust of their customers were allowed to make gingerbread! The profession was considered to be quite exclusive and not accessible to everyone.

Interesting Facts

• In Europe, honey gingerbread was highly valued – it was often taken on long journeys.
• In Poland, gingerbread was used as a dowry for the bride.
• Historically, bakers kept their recipes secret and did not share them with anyone, even the amounts of ingredients used.

How to Take Part

Bake your own gingerbread cookies and decorate them! Involve your children, siblings, parents, and grandparents to create a fun event. Take pictures of the resulting masterpieces and post them on social media. Join competitions for the best product! Hold a competition between friends and agree on prizes in advance.

When is Gingerbread Decorating Day in 2024?

Gingerbread Decorating Day is observed on the second Saturday of December each year.

Observations