Gingerbread is a popular Christmas treat all over the world, in many different forms. Gingerbread first appeared in central Europe in the Middle Ages, made from sugars and spices that had been brought back from the Middle East by soldiers returning from the Crusades. In England, gingerbread only meant "preserved ginger," referring to the preservative effect of ginger on breads, cakes, and other pastries. It wasn't until the 15th century that gingerbread referred specifically to the sweet cake made with treacle and ginger. And it wasn't until the nineteenth century that the treat became associated primarily with Christmas.
It wasn't until the late nineteenth century that more standard Christmas symbols like elves, Santas, and snowmen, became the norm for cookie cutters.
Today gingerbread cookies and houses are as popular as ever, and have become an entrenched Christmas tradition in America.