As we embrace the holiday season, we want to take a moment to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your partnership and support throughout the year. Your trust in us has been the cornerstone of our success, and we genuinely appreciate the relationships we’ve built.
In the spirit of a good ol’ fashioned Christmas, we wish you warmth, joy, & cherished moments with family and friends. May this season bring you laughter, love, and togetherness, and may the new year be filled with hope and opportunity.
Our Christmas Traditions
On Christmas Eve, we exchange gifts with our immediate family, saving the excitement of extended family gifts for Christmas Day. After that, it’s time for the stockings, which always include a fun themed quest that adds an extra layer of holiday magic and adventure to the day!
Every year, my husband and I have this little tradition that I absolutely love. We put up the tree, pick out a new piece for our Christmas village, and watch Elf together. It’s nothing fancy, but it always gets me in the holiday spirit and makes the season feel extra special.
I love to spend an entire day baking Christmas cookies. We'll pick a few different types to make, go shopping for supplies and fun sprinkles, put on some Christmas music, and bake away! We then of course have far more cookies than we can eat, so on Christmas eve we walk around looking at neighbors' lights and delivering cookies.
Every year at my mother in laws house she gets everyone Christmas Crackers (she is from Wales and its a thing they do in the UK) which are these cardboard tubes in wrapping paper and you pull each side until they "crack" open, and inside there is always a paper crown that we all put on and also a tiny toy like a tiny harmonica or a tiny deck of cards. There is also a piece of paper with a joke or riddle that we all take turns reading. I remember the first Christmas I spent with them I was very confused when they mentioned Christmas crackers, wondering why we were going to be eating special crackers on Christmas!
Old-Fashioned Hot Chocolate Recipe
Make your gift even sweeter with this classic twist!
What You’ll Need (Serves 1)
- 1 hot chocolate packet
- 1 cup whole milk (for a creamy texture, or water if preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances flavor)
- Optional Toppings: Whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Candy cane
Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of milk (or water) in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- Pour the hot chocolate packet into your cup.
- Gradually pour the warm milk (or water) into the cup, stirring continuously until fully combined.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Stir well.
- Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
- Use the candy cane as a stir stick for an extra holiday flair—it adds a subtle peppermint twist!
