The oven is hot, the ingredients are laid out, and the baking time has begun.
He mixes and designs, then changes his mind and designs again. Then changes his mind and designs again.
It has to be just right. There really is no room for error here. Every detail must be absolutely perfect.
At last, the dough is slid into the oven and the door is closed tight.
Then, the enchantments begin. Charms are cast. Durability. Sentience. Intelligence. Flexibility. Cleverness.
The oven glows. The die is cast. Now, all there is to do is wait.
The gingerbread man waits for his bride.