What an incredible idea: build your Christmas gingerbread house this season in the shape of the Nativity.  Gingerbread and pretzel rods glued together with royal icing make a lovely, rustic looking manger. Use more gingerbread cookies or traditional sugar cookies to make the holy family, the three wise men, and animal cut-outs. This is a fun and creative project that offers a wonderful way to teach children about the first Christmas.