I was tempting not to have the kids decorate the gingerbread house this year, even though I had done baking the structure a week ago. I was too lazy to clean up the mess and didn’t need to scream at the kids. Then, I saw them sitting in front of the idiot box for the whole morning, so I decided I had to whip the royal icing and let them make mess in the afternoon.

Both kids were happy to create a mess.  I tried to close both eyes, and did some preparation in the kitchen for the big day the following day.  This year, we are having super big turkey on Christmas eve.  After 2 years of just finger foods on Christmas eve, and big Christmas dinner at MIL, she didn’t want to bake turkey because she didn’t do it well for the past 2 years.  So, I take over the baking turkey assignment.  Terry wants turkey for Christmas dinner.   Now, fingers cross that I would get a juicy turkey because according to the recipe I used, the turkey is supposed to be marinated in brine for 12 hrs.

Anyway, after making the royal icing, I assembled the gingerbread house. I only baked one gingerbread house this time, unlike last year, I baked 2 houses.   Then, I summoned the kids to make mess. Malaika was super enthusiastic.

The finished masterpiece was not that impressive though.

And tomorrow is the big day, Malaika wanted to buy some chocolate the previous day when we did the grocery shopping.  Papa said she could have some special chocolate on Christmas.  So we bought 2 Milka chocolate with cups.  And 2 hot water bottles for the kids as the small gift for the date 24.

Note: Kelsey catches the winter vomitting bug. He threw up 2-3 times and fell asleep while watching TV at 6pm. This was unusual even though he skipped his nap.