What says holiday spirit like festive hot chocolate?

It's time to snatch back that holiday spirit from 2017's cold hands. Just like our president's approval rating, the holiday spirit seems to be fading as time progresses. There are plenty of events from 2017 that might have you feeling bummed out around this time, but they're all too complicated for me to fit into an introductory paragraph. Whatever those factors may be, it's important to remain assured that there is more good in this world than there is bad, and being able to recognize both is key. It's time to reclaim that celebratory energy that you've been holding onto to survive the year.

Nothing says "surviving" quite like the invigorating sensation of sizzling hot chocolate engulfing every inch of your mouth in a prickly heat. Hot chocolate to me is a beautiful representation of our culture as of now; not only does it come in various shades of brown and white, but it also tends to leave your mouth throbbing and the pleasure derived from the chocolate allows you to endure any pain it causes. On a serious note, this beverage is non-alcoholic, non-costly, and doesn't require any nuanced cooking skills. Below is my festive take on a hot chocolate recipe.

1 cup (240 mL) hot to insanely hot water

3-4 tbsp (44-55 mL) your favorite hot chocolate mix (Swiss Miss is my jam)

1 pinch of cinnamon

Tiny marshmallows

1 peppermint candy cane, or 2 peppermint candies

First, you're going to set your stove to high heat and let the water heat up. Let it go on until your kitchen looks like a vape shop. While it's boiling, you can fill your mug with the hot chocolate mix and cinnamon. Make sure your mug is the right size or all the proportions could be thrown off.

Once it looks ready to be mixed, throw that boiling hot water into your mug (or gently let it pour out) and use your judgement to stop once it looks like a cup unit. If you can't tell, feel free to use measuring cups or perform a taste test. Stir up the mixture until it looks like a healthy ocean of brown. If you feel the pores of your skin sighing with joy and your tongue is begging you to dig in, you're on the right track.

But you're not done yet. Throw in some mini marshmallows—or the vegan variety if that's what you're into.

And for the finishing touch, insert a candy cane! The red and white embellishment will add the perfect festive touch to your hot chocolate. The peppermint sensation will have your taste buds singing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," and you'll be able to taste it more and more as it melts into the drink. But for you candy cane haters, you can just as easily use the regular peppermint candies too.

Now you can stay warm without heating the entire home! Enjoy your own heat while everyone else shivers around you.

If you do make this recipe, be sure to comment how it came out and let me know if it had you caroling door-to-door.

Happy Holidays!