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At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

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November 29, 2020

Tabletop Hot Cocoa Station

“That jar of gingersnaps just makes it feel so cozy, Mom.”

My 17 year old said this as he passed by the hot cocoa station I was setting up on top of the side table in our breakfast nook.

It was two weeks before Thanksgiving and I had made the decision that what we needed was a little bit of comfort and joy in our home. The rainy, cold days had arrived here in Oregon and the lockdown orders by our Governor had been (and continue to be) extended and expanded, leaving all of us feeling anything but cheerful.

Our home has truly become the one place where I feel as though I have some measure of control and, since we are here a LOT these days, I am determined to do everything within my power to create an environment that provides us with a sense of peace in the midst of all that is so very hard right now.

I’m not going to lie friends, things have been hard. Teenagers (and all kids) in states like ours, where going back to school or sports or activities anytime soon seems like an impossibility, are struggling. My mama heart aches to be able to solve this and I fight against being angry that I have no power to provide them the things that would actually help them right now.

So anything I can do to bring a little bit of cheer into their lives and put smiles on their faces is my goal right now.

Peppermint sticks, jars of sprinkles and chocolate chips, fun straws, marshmallows and, of course, hot cocoa, may not seem like a very big deal. But they represent something that is, in fact, incredibly important this year more than ever before.

They represent the things that are constants in our lives. They represent what never changes about our home. The love and care and concern. The desire to do everything in our power to provide stability in this very unstable time.

And, they represent how well we know each other and the things that will meet a need, spoken or unspoken.

Because, even simply a jar filled with gingersnaps can be just the thing to remind our family that this truly is the season of love and hope.

8 Comments Filed Under: Christmas, Decorating, Family, Good Ideas, Holidays Tagged With: Christmas, Christmas decorating, hot cocoa

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Comments

  1. Janis Stufflebean says

    November 29, 2020 at 11:25 AM

    This is wonderful!

    Reply
  2. MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says

    November 29, 2020 at 11:54 AM

    Vanessa, I always enjoy meeting you “At The Picket Fence”! I loved your post.

    This has been quite the year and one that has created so much uncertainty with all of us. It is so good to have a little bit of “normal” in our homes and in our lives — and especially at such a special time of the year.

    Your cocoa bar is so cute and sure does add that bit of cozy that is so necessary. This Christmas is going to be like one we have never experienced with our total lockdown in our province. However, we need to keep things as normal as possible and enjoy all the Christmas traditions as best we can. How great to know that Jesus is the Reason for this wonderful Season!

    Bless you and your dear family in a special way!

    Reply
  3. Patty says

    November 29, 2020 at 12:04 PM

    Vanessa, it looks so pretty & inviting – your tree is just gorgeous! This has been a rough year – sounds to me like your kiddos are blessed to have you for their Mom! How sweet that your teenager noticed & told you so.
    There are so many people suffering in this strange time in our world, which makes us feel so helpless – little acts of kindness are needed by all. Sometimes it’s our own families that need it most. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful cocoa bar & your thoughts. Wishing you a blessed Christmas season.

    Reply
  4. Jani Drury says

    November 29, 2020 at 12:07 PM

    What a wonderful and comforting idea. I hope things get better soon.

    Reply
  5. Linda Mossgrove says

    November 29, 2020 at 12:18 PM

    So very true. We look for miracle answers and so many times it is the simplicity of traditions that we had to this point taken for granted. May your family stay safe and together get through this time.
    Thank you for being you!

    Reply
  6. Kathy Menold says

    November 29, 2020 at 2:04 PM

    What a lovely way of reminding your family how much you love them and that is really what the season is all about. Thankyou.

    Reply
  7. Helen says

    November 29, 2020 at 9:21 PM

    Thank goodness for the joy that the holidays bring this time of year. Your beautiful Christmas tree and cocoa station are just the type of merriment that we need and will inspire us to do the same in our homes. Thank you for sharing your ideas and your home with us. Yes it is very difficult for all of us but maybe we can continue to seek the good that comes from a difficult situation. We pray for a better tomorrow soon. Happy Holidays to you and your family….🎄🎄🎄

    Reply
  8. Teri Perrott says

    November 30, 2020 at 9:24 AM

    Love this! And your photos are so beautiful!

    Reply

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  • A New French Country Dining Table February 3, 2021
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