Haven't you ever seen a talking snowman before?

I can't think of a better way of getting in the Christmas spirit than building a gingerbread house and the best way to pass along some of that spirit is to help raise money for a worthy cause.

I was contacted by Habitat for Humanity and asked to take part in their annual gingerbread house auction. I jumped at the chance! I wanted to create something that would remind people of their childhood, but also capture Habitat's vision: A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

I combined characters from my favorite holiday movie, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and a Habitat for Humanity build site to create a festive gingerbread scene.

The Cake or Death gingerbread house, as well as others created by local celebrities and chefs, is up for auction through December 10, 2009. All proceeds go to help build homes for local families in need. Please bid and help Habitat for Humanity make families Christmas wishes come true.