** This post is sponsored by Kohls and ShopStyle. All opinions are our own!**

Every year, my 3 daughters and myself attend a local performance of “The Nutcracker”. We dress up, soak up all the magic, and get hot cocoa afterwards. I went to book tickets a couple weeks ago, out of habit, and quickly realized, this tradition wasn’t going to happen. The ballet was cancelled. I guess I KNEW it would be, but was holding on to hope. I’m not going to lie, I was disappointed to the point of tears. Then, I quickly remembered that I set the tone for my house. I put on big girl pants and got to work on a NEW family tradition.

Traditions are really what I, and probably YOU, remember the most about Christmas a kid. I sincerely only remember ONE gift I received as a kid (A Barbie Jeep), but I remember vividly our baking days. The cinnamon rolls after caroling with friends. Christmas Eve at my Grandma’s with every appetizer you can possibly remember. A lot of these I’ve carried on with my family, and some, we’ve started NEW!

I’m excited to share with you what we did. It’s simple. It’s inexpensive. It’s lovely.
I teamed up with Kohl’s to set the scene for this new family tradition and I couldn’t have been happier with the result.

Meet hot chocolate bar and doughnut morning at the Roche house. 

I’ve been seeing hot chocolate bars all over Pinterest and I wanted to implement the idea into my house. I mean, who DOESN’T love a sugar filled morning? These 6 kids certainly do (and YES, they’re ALL mine!).

Life can get a little hectic around here in a big family, but I find preparation and simplicity are key to good memories.
Kohls has TONS of fun serving ware, dishware and Christmas decor to set the tone of any Christmas tradition as we count down to the BIG day!
Speaking of counting down, this advent calendar is not only darling, it’s another fun way to create some excitement.

I fell in love with these frost tipped small pine trees. They sold out, but I found some similar ones HERE.  So pretty.
The flocked style branches create the most magical wintery wonderland! Perfect for the background of our hot chocolate bar!

What do you need for a quality hot chocolate bar?
You can really make it as extravagant or simple as you like, but here are some ideas.

• Hot Chocolate (duh.) I have the most wonderful recipe I will include at the bottom of this post! USE IT! 
• Marshmallows of all sorts
• Candy canes – mini and regular sized.
• Different flavors of creamer (Hazlenut is my personal favorite, but my kids prefer vanilla or caramel).
• Dipped pretzel sticks
• Chocolate or peppermint spoons
• Cinnamon (just a dash is so good!)
• Lots and lots of whipped cream
• Crushed toffee
• Chocolate Chips
• Different syrup toppings (Chocolate and caramel!)

I served up the ingredients on different types of platters and jars. I thought this galvanized tiered tray had a fun farmhouse vibe. The tiers were great for little eyes to see a variety of choices. Layers and levels are key. This little bowl set would be perfect too! I like that they’re a little smaller rather than some HUGE bowl of ingredients.

Great mugs are essential!
I thought these were a great size (They’re big!) and just felt so happy and youthful to me. How sweet are those little painted Christmas lights?
PLUS they have a little spoon that fits IN the handle! I love that little detail! They are dishwasher safe too, which obviously is important!
Ain’t nobody got time to hand wash dishes!

I thought this gorgeous table runner added a nice counter pop of color in a traditional plaid as well! It looks like it’s out of stock, but I found a beautiful buffalo plaid one HERE. 

Now, let’s talk doughnuts. 
I did store bought. (Remember: SIMPLE!)
Presentation is key and makes things extra special. 
I served on this BIG white platter. 
In my opinion, EVERY home should have a platter like this. It never goes out of style, works for every season/holiday, and will be used often.

And can you even with those little tippie toes?
Doughnuts = Life

Are you ready for the BEST hot cocoa recipe EVER?
Seriously, it’s divine.

Get it HERE.

We had such a fun morning with our new tradition. 
It gave us time to slow down, and just ENJOY each other (and the sugar).
If there’s anything I’ve learned this past year, it’s that sometimes slowing down and simplicity are JUST what we truly need to enjoy the holidays.
Oh, and doughnuts. Lots of doughnuts.

We might not get to do some of “normal” traditions this year, but I hope my kids look back at this year and remember just now loved they are!
(PS This Santa apron is a MUST have for TRUE festivity! This Elf version is equally festive.)

Kohl’s really has everything you need to create a beautiful, memorable holiday at home!
Plus, they have some killer deals.
Right now during their Friends & Family sale, take 25% off with code FRIENDS25 through 12/9.
Also, if you’re wanting to snag some new holiday dishware, clothing, toys or décor 
anytime during this holiday season, here are a few tips for getting deals at Kohl’s.

●Take an extra 15% off $100+ using code CATCH15OFF
●Take an extra 15% off, one-time only off your next online purchase when you sign up for mobile Sale Alerts
TEXT SAVE24 to 56457 (KOHLS)* TEXT HELP FOR HELP, STOP TO CANCEL○ Valid thru 12/31/20

●Extra 35% off when you apply for Kohl’s Charge
○See Kohls.com for details
○Valid thru 12/31/20

You can ship to your house, or if you need something quick and conveniently, take advantage of their curbside pick-up too! I did that with a pair of shoes for my daughter and I couldn’t believe how fast the process was!

Happiest of holidays! I hope you get to create lots of new traditions with your loved ones this year!