I cut the base of my house using my Silhouette Cameo but you can find templates to print out free on the internet and you can also buy dies these days to make beautiful little houses.
The way I make my houses is to cut the base in plain card stock then cut the same again in the paper you wish to cover it with. I cut the constitution tabs off of the paper cuts and also cut along the fold lines as it's easier to cover your folds with ink after then get paper to curve neatly around a corner. I always decorate the house flat, then when you are happy with the look construct your house.
To make the window frames I cut the house again in white card then cut the windows out leaving an even frame around them and stick them to the house, then fold it up.
Don't forget the door knob, I used a sticky gem.
Also you can decorate the back too, I chose not to for this house.
The roof can be covered with a different paper to the walls. It can also a great place to add lettering or sentiments too.
Of course no Christmas house could be complete without snow and sparkle.
All this house needs now is its lights. You can use the battery tea lights but I find they are not strong enough to light my houses up so I use the battery operated fairy LED lights. Of course I don't need to tell you but for safety DO NOT USE A REAL CANDLE OR TEA LIGHT!
These would be such fun to make with children, I would cut out all the pieces in different colours and paper then let them build up their own Christmas house. Great for a Christmas Eve activity.
You can find this beautiful paper pack in The Fruit Pixie shop here -
http://www.thefruitpixie.co.uk/craftwork-cards-8-x-8-collection-pack-the-magic-of-christmas-25675-p.asp