Madison McGinnis never expected her gingerbread man would wind up in China. The Colchester fifth-grader and her classmates at Jack Jackter Intermediate School made the gingerbread figures out of construction paper to send to far-flung places as part of a …

What plant products did the little old woman use, for example, when she made the gingerbread man? Master gardeners have even been called into Weatherford City Hall to teach water department employees about turf grasses and water conservation.

Being able to say ‘I made the gingerbread’ or ‘I set the table, folded the napkins or made the place cards’ allows a child to share ownership in a holiday gathering and helps to build his or her self esteem,” Procter said.