Yall Christmas Came Early This Year. I know we’re 2 days out from Thanksgiving, but listen the second I walked into Costco and saw THAT gingerbread house sitting on the shelf like it was waiting just for me, the Christmas music started playing in my head. Yall know the one I’m talking about. That big, beautiful, pre-assembled Costco gingerbread house that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie. I have bought this exact kit for the last three years running. Obsessed is an understatement.
Back When We Had the Christmas Tree Farm…
If you followed along when we were living my literal dream in my home town of South Carolina running our Christmas tree farm, you might remember me talking about wanting gingerbread house decorating to be “our thing.” I tried so hard to make it happen back then. Let’s just say my homemade gingerbread “wannabes” were… cute in spirit, but they were not winning any Pinterest awards. Definitely not the flawless Costco masterpiece.
Years One & Two: Total Candy Chaos
The first two years I brought this kit home? Complete disasters. My boys were little bitty and the second they saw the candy, it was game over. Fingers in the icing, candy disappearing into mouths faster than I could blink, houses collapsing under the weight of toddler excitement. I’d end up finishing it myself while they ran off with fistfuls of gumdrops. Cute memories, but mama’s gingerbread dreams were def crushed.
Year Three: The Genius Candy Bribe
This year I went in with a plan. These boys love candy more than life itself, so why fight it? I sat them down, looked them dead in the eyes, and laid down the law:
“We are going to decorate this big Christmas cookie house together. The candy that goes ON the house stays ON the house. BUT you each get your very own bag of candy to eat while we work. Deal?”
Y’all. It was like I flipped a dang switch. They picked Skittles and gummy bears (the snack-size bags), and then? They decorated like little professionals for almost a solid hour. YALL AN HOUR. They were so proud, telling every single person who walked through the door about “the house WE built.” My heart could’ve burst.
Why I’m Forever Team Costco Gingerbread House
Let’s be real building a gingerbread house from scratch is a special kind of torture. This kit is pre-assembled (hallelujah), comes with pre-made icing windows, the cutest little door, two gingerbread men you get to decorate, a tiny snowman, AND extra white red and green icing. They give you so much frosting you’ll actually have leftovers. Decorating is the fun part, why stress over structural engineering?
Slowing Down & Soaking It In
Growing up, Christmas on the tree farm was magical, but it was also our busiest season. We didn’t always get the “normal” traditions, the ones you see on TV where everybody’s wearing matching pajamas and sipping hot chocolate. Now that we’re in a different chapter, I treasure these little moments. Getting to slow down and do the small things like decorating a gingerbread house without a deadline means everything.
Getting Back To My Roots
And yes… I still get very teary-eyed thinking about the farm and my daddy. I miss the smell of fresh-cut Carolina sapphires, the lights, the families, the chaos, the joy. That was my dream job. I have quite the imagination and I’m a doer so that was the perfect place for me. Maybe one day the good Lord will open that door again at least that’s our dream. Until then, I’m thanking Him for Skittle fueled gingerbread successes and sticky little boy hugs right here in Carolina Cupboards kitchen.
Thoughts?
What about yall? Are you team build your own from scratch or buy it preassembled? Drop your gingerbread stories below !! I need to know I’m not the only one who’s been defeated by royal icing! 🎄❤️ Also a big happy thanksgiving.
Stay tuned for my next post: I’ll give you a hint it’s my favorite Thanksgiving Cheesecake that’s a HUGE hit! You are not going to want to miss this one!
Check out my most recent post here: https://carolinacupboard.com/2025/11/20/my-diy-gel-nail-obsession-thats-saving-me-a-fortune/
The Famous Costco Gingerbread House: Buy it here: https://sameday.costco.com/store/costco/products/87902752-marketplace-brands-gingerbread-house-kit-628-oz-628-oz
Similar one from Sams Club: https://bit.ly/43KAl5g
Yall this Candy is so much better for you and the biggest plus my boys LOVE it! Find it here: https://amzn.to/4rmg7J9
If you don’t have a Costco or Sam’s membership this is a great alternative and currently on sale for Black Friday!! Grab it here: https://amzn.to/4pbYWIL
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