Yummy Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe + How To Start a 4 Gift Rule Tradition

Are you wanting to make Christmas a little bit different this year?  Are you wanting to bring back those magical moments, wonderful memories, holiday nostalgia and all of the other wonderful things about Christmas’ past?  I might just have a way for you to do that. Plus I am sharing a super easy gingerbread hot chocolate recipe that you likely have all the ingredients to make right now!

Have you thought about starting the 4 gift rule tradition in your home? This tradition might be just what you need to turn Christmas into what it is supposed to be for your family. Plus I am sharing a pretty delicious gingerbread hot chocolate recipe that is great for anytime of the year!

What is the 4 gift rule anyway?

The 4 gift rule may sound difficult, but that is only because it’s just different than what you are used to.  It actually makes the holidays far easier than they likely are for you already. 

If you are wondering what the 4 gift rule is, it’s simple.  Typically you follow the tradition of buying just four gifts for each child, with each of the gifts following these themes:

Something they want

Something they need

Something to wear

Something to read

That’s it.  Remarkably simple, isn’t it?  It’s also broad enough that your children are still getting at least some of the gifts that they ask for. Before you worry too much about it, let’s talk about how to start a 4 gift rule tradition in your home.

How to start a 4 gift rule tradition in your home

If you are ready to start this tradition in your family, here are a couple of tips to get you started in your new tradition.

Be prepared for an adjustment

If you have older kids that are used to getting everything that they want for Christmas then starting a 4 gift rule tradition may be a bit of an adjustment.  That’s ok! They may feel disappointed, especially if they aren’t expecting this change, but this change is a great opportunity to encourage teaching the real meaning of the holidays. 

Talk about it

It is a good idea to sit down and talk as a family about the 4 gift rule, why you are doing it and the benefits that it can bring to your family. For many, these benefits include:

Easier on the family budget

Encourages thankfulness

Less “stuff” in our lives

Easier to remember the meaning of the holidays

Be willing to compromise 

Maybe your family is having a hard time adjusting to this new idea of gift giving during the holidays.  If this is the case, one solution is to compromise an adjustment to the 4 gifts. Maybe you can sit down and think about different topics you can choose from.  Here are some other topics I have seen touched on with these types of gift rules:

STEM activity or product

Experience gifts

Gift card

If you or someone else in the family is still on the fence about doing this, there is no hard and fast rule here. This doesn’t mean that your children get 4 and only 4 gifts. 

They will likely still get gifts from other family members, plus, many people also still fill stockings up with gifts. All of these are reminders to you and them that just having 4 gifts under the tree doesn’t mean that they are not abundantly blessed.

Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Here is fun hot chocolate recipe for you to enjoy all season long, and all winter long too!

Yield: 1 serving

Yummy Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

This super simple gingerbread hot chocolate recipe will have you ready for the holiday season!

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon cardamon
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon clove
• 1/2 teaspoon molasses
• whipped topping

Instructions

Heat chocolate milk for 30 seconds in microwave or in a sauce pan.

Add a half teaspoon of each spice and the molasses to the cup and pour in hot chocolate milk. Stir well.

Add whipped topping to the drink and top off with remaining spices.

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 358Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 45mgSodium 230mgCarbohydrates 47gFiber 5gSugar 40gProtein 12g

Did you make this recipe?

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How many gifts do your kids get every year?