Homemade, hand-decorated gingerbread houses are the first sign of the holiday season. From gumdrop trees to marshmallow snowmen and candy cane doors, the candy adornments are endless. This year, swap out the gingerbread base for something a little less sugary and a little more rustic: pretzels! These Holiday "Gingerbread" Pretzel Cabins are perfect for the snowy days of winter leading up to the holidays. To craft your log cabin, channel those old Lincoln Log skills and pair different shapes and sizes of pretzels (think rods, sticks, logs and short and stubby bites) to create the roof and four sides, adding plenty of chocolates, peppermints, peanut butter cups, gummy and cinnamon candies for inspiration. Show it all off with gingerbread icebox cake, gingerbread tiramisu and other fitting dishes.

For other homemade houses you can make this season, take a peek at Cooking Channel's best gingerbread houses that will inspire your holiday cookie creations:

• Mini Gingerbread Houses
• Gingerbread House and People
• 18 More Ideas for Decorating Gingerbread Houses