Today's advent gift is unconventional, but I figured everyone loves a sweet drink! So, I'll be sharing how I make hot cocoa :) It's easy to make  from scratch and it's much, much better than instant mixes.
This recipe is as simplified as it gets & intended for eyeball-ing measurements. That way, you can customize it to your liking. Be sure to taste as you go!

You will need: Unsweetened cocoa powder, milk (preferably whole but any kind works), sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract. Optionally, instant coffee.

1.) Turn stove onto medium heat.

2.)  Add about 2 or 3 spoons of cocoa powder to a small pot. Regular kitchen spoons do, and don't bother leveling off the top - you want that shit heaping.

3.) Add milk until it's just enough to cover the cocoa powder. Whisk cocoa powder and milk together until relatively combined. (It might take a sec, cocoa powder is hydrophobic, which is why you only use a bit of milk at first. It makes it easier to mix. Break apart any small lumps of powder that form and keep at it you'll get it to be Good Enough)

4.) Add MORE milk (usually like a cup or two) until it looks like a good amount of hot cocoa. I know these are vague measurements, but use your eyes here - does it LOOK like there's enough hot cocoa to fill two mugs? If not, add more milk.

5.) Once the hot cocoa is starting to heat up (not boiling, just steaming) turn the heat down, add a small splash of vanilla extract, and sweeten to your liking. (I'll be honest, I don't even know how much sugar I usually add to it. I just add in a couple spoonfuls, stir, taste, and then add more until it tastes good to me.)

6.) Pour into mugs, top with whatever you want (marshmallows, whipped cream, a candy cane, etc.) I like cool whip :)

This recipe may feel imprecise because it lacks specific measurements, but the idea is to know How to make hot cocoa so you can scale it to any size/do it without the recipe pulled up.
It's about the process, not measurements, which is why you'll want to taste as you go. Not chocolatey enough? Add more cocoa. Not sweet enough? More sugar. Too sweet/chocolatey/needs to be "milder"? More milk. So on and so forth.
Cook with your eyes and mouth fr - I think with simple recipes it's good to know the basic steps instead of just following a super specific guide. After all, you might like your hot cocoa sweeter than I do!!

You can also add a spoon of instant coffee. It adds caffeine AND brings out the flavor. (& if you're old enough to drink and wanting a new years eve treat, try adding something like bailey's)

Let me know if you make it! And check back in tomorrow for the last gift of the event <3