This Is Most Popular In Utah For Christmas Fun
Utah leads the nation in its fascination with gingerbread houses according to internet searches as published in this Innerbody study. I hope that Utah building experts have considered this boom in unique building and have considered some of the important issues.
Codes:
I expect that some agreed-upon building codes would be one of the first things to consider. Builders should be required to adhere to specific "gingerbread codes" to ensure the structural integrity of their sweet creations. These codes could include regulations on frosting thickness, load-bearing candy types, and proper gingerbread-to-icing ratios. Failure to comply may result in the collapse of a gingerbread abode, leaving homeowners with a sticky mess on their hands and a potential sugar-induced meltdown.
The Market:
The gingerbread phenomenon should be studied. Let's throw some analysts at it that can express concern over rising building costs and the overall stability of the gingerbread market. Maybe some "remember when" experts in the field. They could be quoted as saying something like, "I remember when gingerbread was just for eating during the holidays. Now we see builders considering a second mortgage just to keep up with the demand for gumdrop landscaping and royal icing insulation."
Key Indicators:
There have to be some indicators out there we can study and maybe worry about. We could measure the amount of ginger imported into the state. Or the number of gingerbread-building contests. I can report that one of our family members has participated in three gingerbread-building contests just his year.
As the gingerbread market in Utah continues to rise, economists should be drawing connections between gingerbread houses and mortgage rates in the United States. Maybe the Federal Reserve could consider a new economic indicator – the Gingerbread Housing Index (GHI).
In the end, Utah's gingerbread craze may just be the sweet solution to the nation's economic challenges. So, whether you're a gingerbread contractor worried about code compliance or a homeowner anxiously awaiting the latest gingerbread mortgage rates, remember: in Utah, the gingerbread is rising, and so are the spirits of gingerbread enthusiasts everywhere.
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Gallery Credit: Carly Ross