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Celebrate National Hot Cocoa Day — A Warm Hug in a Mug!

12/13/2025

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When the air turns crisp and the holiday lights begin to twinkle, there’s one timeless treat that warms our hands and hearts — hot cocoa. And what better day to indulge than National Hot Cocoa Day, celebrated every year on December 13!

Whether you're curled up overlooking a breezy winter coastline or cozying up in your favorite chair at home, a steaming cup of cocoa is pure comfort. Let’s sip, savor, and celebrate this rich, chocolatey delight!
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**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

🌟 A Little History in Every Sip

Hot cocoa has been warming souls for centuries. Its origins trace back to the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, who enjoyed a very different version — a bitter, spicy chocolate drink used in ceremonies and celebrations. It wasn’t until the 1500s that cocoa traveled to Europe, where sugar and milk transformed it into the sweet treat we adore today.
By the 19th century, hot cocoa became a beloved winter beverage, soothing chilly evenings and uplifting spirits through festive seasons.
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Hot Cocoa vs. Hot Chocolate: Did You Know?

Although often used interchangeably, hot cocoa and hot chocolate aren’t quite the same:
  • Hot Cocoa: Made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk or water — lighter and smoother.
  • Hot Chocolate: Made by melting real chocolate into milk — richer, thicker, and extra indulgent.
Both are delicious — but on National Hot Cocoa Day, cocoa gets its time to shine!

💡 Fun Ways to Enjoy Hot Cocoa

If you're looking to elevate your cup, here are some simple and delicious ideas:
  • Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella
  • Top with homemade whipped cream
  • Sprinkle crushed peppermint or white chocolate shavings
  • Add a festive splash of peppermint or vanilla extract
  • Swap regular milk for oat or almond milk for a creamy twist
Flavor upgrades = instant holiday magic ✨
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🍵 Cozy Recipe: Creamy Cinnamon Hot Cocoa

Give this cozy recipe a try — perfect for a festive morning or holiday movie night!
Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar (to taste)
  • 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Whipped cream & cinnamon sprinkle for topping
Instructions:
  1. Whisk cocoa powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt in a small pot.
  2. Add 2 tbsp milk and stir into a smooth paste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the rest of the milk.
  4. Heat gently until warm and frothy — don’t boil.
  5. Pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle cinnamon.
Enjoy every cozy sip!
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Join the Celebration

​How will you enjoy National Hot Cocoa Day?Are you a marshmallow person? Peppermint? Dark chocolate all the way?
Let me know your favorite hot cocoa style in the comments — and cheers to staying warm, joyful, and a little extra sweet today! 💕
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December Holidays Guide: Traditions, Festivities & Fun Days to Celebrate

11/30/2025

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December is one of the most magical months of the year, filled with festive celebrations, cozy traditions, and joyful moments around every corner. From beloved holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve to meaningful cultural observances and delightfully quirky “just for fun” days (hello, Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day!), there’s always something to celebrate. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, sending cheerful holiday cards, or embracing silly sweater season, December offers endless opportunities to make memories, spread kindness, and enjoy the sparkle of the season.
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**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**

🎄 Major & National Holidays in December

December 1 — World AIDS Day
December 6 — St. Nicholas Day
December 7 — Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (U.S.)
December 8 — Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 10 — Human Rights Day
December 21 — Winter Solstice / Yule
December 24 — Christmas Eve
December 25 — Christmas Day
December 26 — Boxing Day (UK & Canada)
December 31 — New Year’s Eve
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🌍 International & Cultural Holidays

December 2 — International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
December 3 — International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 5 — International Volunteer Day
December 8 — Bodhi Day (Buddhism)
Hanukkah — dates vary in December (in 2025 it is December 14th to December 22)
December 16 — Las Posadas begins (Mexico, Dec 16–24)
December 26 – January 1 — Kwanzaa
December 31 — Ōmisoka (Japan)

🎉 Fun, Weird & Wacky December Holidays

December 1 — Eat a Red Apple Day
December 2 — National Mutt Day
December 3 — Make a Gift Day
December 4 — National Cookie Day
December 5 — Bathtub Party Day
December 6 — Microwave Oven Day
December 7 — Letter Writing Day
December 8 — Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
December 9 — Christmas Card Day
December 11 — International Mountain Day
December 13 — National Cocoa Day
December 15 — Cat Herders Day
December 16 — Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
December 17 — Wright Brothers Day
December 18 — Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
December 20 — Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
December 21 — Don’t Make Your Bed Day
December 24 — Eggnog Day
December 26 — Candy Cane Day
December 27 — Visit the Zoo Day
December 28 — Chocolate Candy Day
December 30 — Bacon Day
December 31 — Make Up Your Mind Day

🍽️ Delicious December Food Holidays

​All Month — National Pear Month
All Month — National Eggnog Month
December 8 — Brownie Day
December 12 — Gingerbread House Day
December 14 — Bouillabaisse Day
December 18 — Roast Suckling Pig Day
December 21 — French Fried Shrimp Day
December 28 — Chocolate Candy Day
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Ham, Purple Potato, and Corn Chowder

11/7/2025

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​There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chowder, especially when it’s packed with hearty ingredients and vibrant colors. This Ham, Purple Potato & Corn Chowder is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. The smoky flavor of ham pairs beautifully with the sweetness of corn, while the purple potatoes not only add a pop of color but also bring a nutty, earthy taste that makes every spoonful unique. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something wholesome and filling, this chowder is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that warms both the body and soul.
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**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**
Ham, Purple Potato & Corn Chowder

Ingredients:
2 Tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
3 medium purple potatoes, cut into chunks
2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk (or half-and-half for creamier chowder)
2 Tbsp gluten free flour or corn starch (for thickening)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another minute.

Stir in diced ham, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to release flavors.

Add purple potatoes, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15–20 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Stir into the chowder and simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with crusty bread or corn muffins.
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Happy Halloween

10/31/2025

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​Happy Halloween, friends! 👋🎃
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Whether you're dressing up in a full costume, carving pumpkins with your family, or simply curling up with a cozy movie and a bowl of popcorn, today is all about fun, whimsy, and a little bit of magic.
​
This year, I’m celebrating Halloween right here in Portugal — and while Halloween isn't as big here as in the U.S., the spooky spirit is definitely spreading. Shops are filled with decorative pumpkins, bakeries offer seasonal sugar-dusted treats, and little ones excitedly plan costumes for school parties and neighborhood parades. It’s charming, low-key, and filled with a warm sense of community.

👻 A Different Kind of Halloween Vibe

Back in the States, Halloween usually means front lawns transformed into haunted houses, trick-or-treaters ringing doorbells all night, and pumpkin spice everything. 
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Here in Portugal, the celebrations blend modern Halloween with centuries-old traditions like All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day — days to honor loved ones and visit cemeteries with flowers and candles. It’s a beautiful mix of remembrance, celebration, and a touch of spooky fun.
One of the sweetest parts of living abroad is learning to recreate traditions in a new setting. Whether it’s baking your childhood favorite cookies, hosting a pumpkin-themed potluck, or sharing Halloween fun with new international friends — these traditions take on new meaning.

Holidays don’t shrink when you move abroad — they evolve. And in that evolution, they become even more special. 

🎃 Wishing You a Spook-tacular Day

However you're celebrating,
I hope your Halloween is filled with:
✨ Sweet moments
🎃 Cozy comforts
🕯️ A little mystery
💫 And lots of joy

​Thanks for being here — and Happy Halloween! 🎃🍂👻
Stay spooky and stay inspired! 🧡
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Celebrate the Season of Gratitude with My Thanksgiving Collection

10/30/2025

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​Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s a time for gratitude, togetherness, and cozy traditions. To capture the warmth and festive spirit of this special holiday, I’ve created a Thanksgiving Collection filled with unique designs perfect for celebrating the season. Whether you’re looking to decorate your space, find the perfect gift, or add a festive touch to your wardrobe, these designs bring a little extra joy to your holiday.
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**This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small amount of compensation when you purchase from my links which help to keep this blog running.**
Looking for a thoughtful gift for a host, a friend, or even yourself? My Thanksgiving Collection includes designs that work beautifully on tote bags, stickers, notebooks, and more - all available in my Redbubble store. They make heartfelt gifts that are both practical and festive—perfect for showing gratitude this holiday season.

Each design is available on a variety of products. Please click the photo to be taken to the sales page.
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    Linda Roisum

    Traveller, chief taste-tester and food finder and retired expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

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