Gingerbread House Day, celebrated each year on December 12, honors a beloved Christmas tradition that began centuries ago with the arrival of gingerbread in Europe, brought by Gregory of Nicopolis in 992 AD. Over time, gingerbread became an art form—shaped into saints, royal portraits, and festive figures, eventually leading German bakers in the early 1800s to create the first decorated gingerbread houses inspired by the tale of Hansel and Gretel. Gingerbread later became a symbol of Christmas celebration worldwide, with intricate cottages, candies, and frosting turning simple dough into seasonal joy—highlighted even by record-breaking creations like the 67-foot-tall gingerbread house built in 2001. As we build our own gingerbread houses today, we’re reminded to spiritually build our homes as well, making them “a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, [and] a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/gingerbread-house-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

International Mountain Day highlights the beauty and importance of the world’s mountains, which cover about a quarter of Earth’s land and supply most of the planet’s fresh water. Mountains form through tectonic forces—folding, faulting, or volcanic activity—creating ranges like the Himalayas, Sierra Nevada, and Mount Fuji. They provide food, energy, clean air, recreation, and habitats for wildlife and people. This day encourages youth and communities to protect mountain environments and appreciate these “water towers of the world.” From hiking and learning local geology to sharing photos and stewardship efforts, it’s a reminder of how mountains inspire us to look upward and care for the earth.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/international-mountain-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Emily Dickinson, born December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, became one of America’s most influential poets, known for her brief, striking lines and deep emotional insight. Living a mostly secluded life, she wrote over 1,700 poems—many exploring nature, hope, faith, and doubt—often in hymn-like meter that later shaped modern poetry. Her famous works like “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers” reveal her gift for vivid metaphor, written from her small bedroom desk. Though little of her writing was published during her lifetime, her sister preserved her poems after her death, leading to their posthumous publication and the worldwide admiration Dickinson enjoys today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/emily-dickenson-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.