12 Days of Christmas - Day 7
On the Seventh Day of Christmas ....
Pajama Day & Hot Chocolate Bar - The Art of Doing Nothing (Together)
In a season filled with shopping, cooking, decorating, and rushing, there's something revolutionary about declaring a full day of intentional laziness. Welcome to Pajama Day—the holiday tradition where the dress code is "cozy" and the agenda is "whatever we feel like."
Why Staying in Pajamas is Actually Profound
Hear me out on this: In our culture of constant productivity, giving your family permission to just be together—without achieving anything, going anywhere, or checking anything off a list—is radical self-care.
Pajama Day says: "Today, we're more important than our to-do lists. Today, we're choosing each other over errands. Today, the world can wait."
And honestly? The world really can wait.
The Hot Chocolate Bar: Simple Luxury
Here's where this low-key day gets elevated to something special: the hot chocolate bar.
The Base:
Hot chocolate mix or cocoa powder
Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Whipped cream
The Toppings (set out whatever you have):
Mini marshmallows (the classic)
Chocolate chips (they melt into melty goodness)
Candy canes (for stirring and flavoring)
Cinnamon sticks (surprisingly amazing)
Caramel sauce
Chocolate syrup
Peppermint extract
Crushed Oreos
Sprinkles (because why not?)
The beauty is that everyone creates their perfect cup. My husband likes his simple with just marshmallows. My daughter creates a sugar explosion that would make a dentist weep. My son treats it like a science experiment, combining flavors to discover his "secret recipe."
What Actually Happens on Pajama Day
The magic isn't in any structured activity—it's in the unstructured togetherness:
Someone suggests a board game, and suddenly three hours have passed.
Books get read on the couch, with people trading or reading aloud.
Someone starts building with LEGOs, and others drift over to help.
Impromptu dance parties break out in the kitchen.
Naps happen without guilt.
Conversations meander without purpose—and those often become the best ones.
The "Rules" of Pajama Day
No one leaves the house (except maybe to grab mail or let the dog out)
No real clothes allowed (pajamas, robes, slippers, or blankets worn as capes)
No obligations (yes, dishes can wait; yes, laundry can pile up)
Phones on minimal (unless it's to capture silly photos)
Meals are easy (breakfast for dinner? Absolutely. Cereal for lunch? You bet.)
Why This Matters More Than You Think
In a few years, your kids won't remember every present they got. But they'll remember the day you all stayed in pajamas, built a blanket fort in the living room, drank too much hot chocolate, and played cards until your sides hurt from laughing.
They'll remember that you chose them over productivity.
They'll remember feeling like time stopped and nothing mattered except being together.
That's the gift.
Making Your Hot Chocolate Bar Instagram-Worthy (If You Want)
If you're feeling fancy:
Use mason jars for toppings
Create hand-written labels
Tie candy canes to mugs with ribbon
Set up a festive tray with Christmas napkins
But honestly? You can also throw everything in plastic bowls and call it a day. The presentation doesn't matter nearly as much as the presence.
Permission Granted
I'm giving you official permission (as if you needed it) to have a day where:
Your hair is a mess
No makeup happens
Productivity is measured in laughter, not accomplishments
Slow is the pace
Cozy is the vibe
Together is the goal
When was the last time you gave yourself permission to do absolutely nothing? What would your perfect "slow day" look like? And most importantly—what's your hot chocolate topping combination? Share in the comments! I'm always looking for new flavor ideas.
