How to Set Up the Ultimate Holiday Hot Chocolate Bar
Anyone else struggle with the days following the fall time change? That jet lagged feeling without the travel pics to show for it. Maybe that’s part of why I like decorating for Christmas early. It changes the hum drum darkness into a sense of purpose. My house is going to be dark by 4:30pm anyways, might as well make it count. Maybe it’s the 7 (Enneagram) in me that I feed off of the excitement of change, or the 8 in me to control even what I can’t control. Either way, I choose to make this season count. Our house is lit primarily by twinkly lights, fireplaces and candles, soft music is always playing in the background. I fully embrace my inner Hygge.
Another way we add joy to the early dark depressing nights is to set up a 24/7 hot chocolate bar. It’s literally as it sounds. Nothing fancy, and yet, everything about it screams effort and care. We have an old school bread compartment in the corner of my kitchen counter that I transform into the hot chocolate bar. Ours is readily available but if your kids are younger you may want to put out a daily ration or have a basket for each child with their daily supplies.
Think through how it will best work for your family and don’t be afraid to switch it up as you go. I am patiently waiting for Amazon to deliver molds to make Hot Chocolate Bombs to add some fun and simplify the process. Last year we made chocolate spoons. Actually, I think we may whip some up tomorrow and add them.
Each week, I add something new, just to keep them guessing and the enthusiasm kicking. Do my girls have hot chocolate every day? No. Maybe at first, but then they’re over it, and I would say they end up enjoying it a couple of times a week. It’s for a season. I do the same with Halloween. I let them have full reign. The first day they gorge themselves, the next they have a couple, then they move on and it’s all still there the following year. if you’re into the Elf on the Shelf, you can have him surprise the kiddos with the bar. Our Elf on the Shelf is a little lazy and only moves locations when he wants to, so I couldn’t count on him to pull off the surprise. Also, I’d like to be the hero and take the credit for myself, but, to each his own… Side Note: Our Elf on a Shelf is from the dollar store and his name is Christophe. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that my girls questioned his stalky appearance. When they asked “Why doesn’t ours look like everyone else’s?” I quickly responded, “Because ours is the real one!” Wink Wink!
How are you going to display your Hot Chocolate Bar?
Tray
Basket
Drawer
Cupboard
Supplies Needed:
Christmas Mugs
Kettle or Keurig for simplicity
Jars
Spoons
Festive Decor
In years past, I could always count on Trader Joe’s for fun additions, but not this year. Excuse me while I shed a tear. Man I miss Trader Joe’s. Maybe next year…
Hot Chocolate - I buy the big Costco Size but if you need to ration, individual packs may be better
Candy Canes
Sprinkles
Meringues
Marshmallows - Big & small
Chocolate Sticks
Cookie Crumbs
Crushed Candy Canes
Chocolate Spoons
Whipped Cream
Skor Bits