pick of the week: Nothing evokes thoughts about the holidays like gingerbread houses, and nobody embraces gingerbread houses like the Norway House. Building on the success of last year's inaugural exhibit, the center's Gingerbread Wonderland is back, featuring both traditional candy-covered houses and gingerbread renditions of Twin Cities landmarks ranging from U.S. Bank Stadium to Mickey's Diner. The Norway House — a lot like the American Swedish Institute, except with a different accent — is at 913 E. Franklin Av., Minneapolis. It's open Tuesdays through Sundays (but will be closed on New Year's Day). The gingerbread exhibit ends Jan. 6. Admission is $5; free for ages 12 and under. 612-871-2211; norwayhouse.org.
Cheat sheet: Here are some topics to discuss at your New Year's Eve party.
• The tradition of dropping a ball in New York City has been around since 1907, but it was actually a fallback after city officials banned the first tradition, fireworks.
• The use of a baby to represent the new year has been traced as far back as 600 B.C. in Greece.
• Always bail out early on the big night? You have plenty of company — 22 percent of Americans admit that they don't make it to midnight.
in gratitude: As you have your first cup of morning java, raise your mug in a toast to James Nason, who on Dec. 26, 1865, was granted a patent for the coffee percolator.
recommended reading: It's time to kiss and tell when Saturday's Variety section explores the history of the New Year's Eve smooch.
JEFF STRICKLER • jeff.strickler@startribune.com
