The human-shaped cookies might represent baby Jesus, while the spices can be considered a reference to the gifts of the Magi. Besides that, German immigrants used them as Christmas decorations.

St. Nicholas Magazine published The Gingerbread Man story, and this magazine is popular for advertising the latest Christmas trends.

Grimm Brothers published a story called “Hensel and Gretel”, in which there is a house made of cookies. Kids were inspired by that and started to make cookie houses to give Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

George Washinton’s mother used to make those for Christmas, and this inspired other people in her community to do so. With time, it became a tradition.

Gingerbread is a Christmas special in Europe since the 11th century, when spices and cakes from Asia became popular.