Gumdrops, peppermints and other festive treats were put to good use at Clarke Elementary School on the morning of Sunday, December 7, as the Swampscott Recreation Department hosted a gingerbread house decorating session.
Children in attendance got creative in designing their homes to their liking, using a variety of different candies while sneakily eating some as well.
Karlene Ball, a volunteer for the Recreation Department, offered the decorators a helping hand.
“I like to see the creativity they have,” said Ball. “They think of ideas I wouldn’t have.”
Sunday was the second of three dates of gingerbread house making this year. The final will be on Sunday, December 14.
Ball said gingerbread house decorating is one of many events hosted by the department this holiday season that will keep children out of the house.
“There’s always something to do,” she said. “There is something for everyone, young and old. They came up with so many great new events.”
Ball spends time sewing and hosts events for local crafters.
“This is right up my alley,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’m just trying to make sure they don’t eat it all.”
There are numerous other Recreation Department events coming up for the holidays:
- Scandinavian star workshop – Tuesday, December 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Holiday puzzle off – Thursday, December 11, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Elf workshop – Saturday, December 13, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Gingerbread house decorating – Sunday, December 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
- Holiday cookie class – Thursday, December 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Cookies and hot cocoa workshop – Saturday, December 20, 9 to 10 a.m.
- Winter crafts – Saturday, December 20, 9 to 11 a.m.
