Create a slow, meaningful holiday—one filled with small traditions, simple joys, and gifts made by hand
Hello, homemaker!
This year, instead of focusing on big gifting or store-bought presents, my family and I decided to create a slow, meaningful holiday—one filled with small traditions, simple joys, and gifts made by hand.
As part of our Homemade Christmas Series, my son and I have been sharing daily projects over on our Facebook and Instagram pages. It has been such a beautiful experience—working side-by-side in the kitchen, crafting thoughtful gifts, and showing him that love isn’t measured in price tags, but in time, intention, and togetherness.
For Day 11, we made the sweetest little treat: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix in a Jar.
It’s incredibly simple, budget-friendly, and so delicious. And honestly? It looks so pretty layered in a jar! Whether you’re gifting teachers, neighbors, friends, or family, this mix is a warm hug waiting to be enjoyed.
Why We Love This Homemade Cocoa Mix
✓ Simple ingredients – Nothing fancy, nothing artificial. Just pure, cozy goodness.
✓ Quick to assemble – Perfect for kids to help with.
✓ Budget-friendly – A wonderful option if you're keeping gifts simple this year.
✓ Beautiful presentation – A mason jar, a piece of scrap ribbon, and a handwritten tag turn it into a heartfelt gift.
✓ Shelf-stable – Make ahead and store for weeks!
This project truly embraces the homestead spirit—using what we have, crafting with intention, and sharing from the heart.
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe
This recipe fills one 8 oz jar. If you want to make multiple gifts, simply multiply the ingredients.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup powdered milk
- ½ brown / powdered sugar
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional but delicious!)
- 1 small handful mini marshmallows
- Pinch of salt (optional but brings out the chocolate flavor)
Instructions
- In a clean pint-size mason jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed to create a pretty, striped effect.
- Gently tap the jar between layers to help everything settle.
- Top with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Seal with a lid and add a gift tag with mixing instructions.
Free Gift Tag
You can include a handwritten label that says:
To Enjoy:
Mix ¼ cup hot chocolate mix with 1 cup hot milk or water. Stir until cozy and delicious!
You can also use my free gift tags below. Download and print--no sign up needed!
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones people remember most.
Tips & Variations
- Make it festive: Add crushed candy canes between layers.
- Make it rich: Add a tablespoon of instant pudding mix (chocolate flavor) for creaminess.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne powder for Mexican-style cocoa.
- Make it homestead-simple: Skip the chocolate chips and marshmallows for a minimalist pantry-friendly mix.
This is also a great project to make in bulk—set everything out assembly-line style and let the kids help scoop and pour.
Wrapping It Up… Literally
Tie the jar with twine, ribbon, or a scrap of fabric. Add a bit of greenery from outside or a cinnamon stick tucked under the string for a natural, homespun touch.
These jars look charming under the tree, lined up on the counter, or tucked into a basket of homemade goodies. Most of all, they carry the warmth of family moments spent together in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Creating a simple homemade Christmas has been fun—slowing down, making memories, and offering gifts crafted with our own hands. Our hot chocolate mix may be simple, but simple is often where the magic lives.
If you'd like to follow along with the rest of our Homemade Christmas Series, join us over on Facebook and Instagram. We can’t wait to share more cozy ideas with you!
