Between now and the end of the year you might partake in a cup of cocoa or two. If by chance you do might I suggest making a batch of homemade marshmallows. Marshmallows are pretty easy to make with most of the ingredients items you already have in the cupboard and at least 12 hours notice. (they need to sit overnight or for about 8-10 hours)

Homemade Marshmallows

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup hot water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup cornstarch

Directions

Lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle gelatin over a small bowl filled with 1/2 cup cold water; let stand to soften.
In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and salt. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring, until sugar has dissolved. Continue cooking, without stirring, until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage, about 240 degrees on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add gelatin mixture; set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. With the mixer running, slowly add sugar mixture. Add vanilla and continue beating for 10 minutes until the mixture looks like marshmallow.
Transfer marshmallow mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Spray a piece of parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray and cover marshmallow. Let stand overnight.
Remove parchment paper and invert marshmallow onto work surface. Pour cornstarch in a bowl; working in batches, gently add marshmallows and toss to coat.

Let marshmallows stand at room temperature overnight or transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 days.

I went ahead and made these marshmallows once Jasper was in bed and then in the morning they were ready for coating. At four years old, Jasper, is not the most patient person, so I have learned it is better for everything to be ready before I include him. We coated half the marshmallows in cornstarch and the other half in cocoa powder. For pure snaking purposes I like the cocoa covered ones more, but for cocoa I liked the cornstarch ones better.