Some people argue that the best Christmas gifts are homemade, but everybody knows the best presents are really the ones that you can eat. Leave it to the foodies at Central Market to combine these two ideologies into a fun, tasty, possibly messy and slightly educational holiday experience that can either be fun for the whole family or provide a convenient excuse to get the kids and/or significant other out of the house long enough to get some gift wrapping done. The architectural feats start out with lebkuchen ("a hard, chewy or brittle Christmas cookie, usually flavored with honey and spices and containing nuts and citron," according to Dictionary.com), and plenty of icing, candies and other decorations will be provided to make sure any modest gingerbread cottage turns into a decadent, festive mansion by the end of the two-hour class. Boxes are provided to help safely get your edible house to your real housethat is, if you don't eat it first. Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House classes take place from 10 a.m. to noon Friday and Saturday at Central Market, Lovers Lane at Greenville Ave. $55 includes one house per person. Call 214-361-5754 or visit centralmarket.com.
Sat., Dec. 22, 10 a.m.-noon; Sun., Dec. 23, 10 a.m.-noon, 2007