It’s the most wonderful time of the year again…and Santa’s elves aren’t the only ones working under a rushed deadline! At the Beach Bakery Café, the famously festive gingerbread houses are being assembled faster than ever, with a rapidly approaching event at the WHB public library, on Friday the 14th, and the event at the local elementary school, which was held Friday the 7th.
The store is fully prepared for the “holiday rush,” with both the inside and outside draped in lights, sparkles and decorations, and cheerful music lingering past the holiday hype.
Being in business for nearly 25 years – this winter is no different; the local Bakery is continuing their holiday traditions. Ruben Boskamp, the manager, head baker, gingerbread house maker, and none other than my dad, said “We started making [gingerbread houses] about 12 years ago. First, we only did them for the store, but customers began showing more interest, and wanted to decorate them themselves. So, we started offering this through the WHB public library, and later we were contacted by the elementary school PTA.” Along with gingerbread houses, the bakery will also be offering “Christmas cookies, and other holiday specialties.”
It’s no doubt that December comes with added stress and work for the full-time bakers – but it’s Christmas time! So they get into spirit with “Christmas music – my colleagues and I like to sing along,” Ruben said, acknowledging the importance of enjoying your work, and never taking yourself too seriously.
But of course, the job always comes first, and he’s able to manage everything through “sharing the workload and doing a great deal of planning,” which usually goes smoothly, thanks to the brilliance of his “experience and expertise.”
All this planning ultimately comes down to two things: the gingerbread house decoration events and the loyal customers. On Friday, December 7 the elementary school buzzed with excitement as students and their families got their hands on Christmas candies, icing, and delicious gingerbread. A stunning total of 87 gingerbread houses were made that day!
Throughout this season, over 250 of these houses will be made, including the necessary amount required for the event at the WHB public library, as well as about a hundred of the smaller houses.
It’s hard work, but the reward is seen through the happiness and smiles that the Christmas products bring to customers – it’s about the people.
Personally, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work here alongside my father, brother, and countless friends; some who I have know all my life. Not only is the Beach Bakery Café a business, it’s also a family – and it’s even more close knit during Christmas time. ‘Tis the Season!