the buzz log

There are some things that people do around the holidays that, if you step back and think about it, don't make a lot of sense. Building miniature houses out of gingerbread is a classic example. The holiday tradition may seem kind of random, but it's just as popular as ever.

Articles on how to make an edible mansion are flying high in Buzz. Howcast hosts a video on how to make a structurally sound, yet delicious house. Apparently it's not as difficult as it sounds. If you're well-versed in creating amateur gingerbread houses and long to build something more professional, check out this list of tools you'll need from This Old House. Not for the faint of heart (or wallet).

Searches on tips and hints on how to build gingerbread houses are also on the rise. Over the past week, we've notice upticks on "gingerbread house patterns," "gingerbread house instructions," and the lazy person's alternative, "graham cracker house."

If you'd rather gaze and admire than build and curse, there are plenty of photos of insanely impressive structures. This Old House hosts a collection of pictures of award-winning efforts. But even they pale in comparison to the "five star gingerbread hotel" from the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota. It's madness. Absolute madness.