Pour the milk into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Warm the milk, but avoid boiling it. Stir occasionally to prevent scalding.
In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in the vanilla extract to the hot chocolate mixture and continue to heat for a few more minutes until it's hot but not boiling, and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness or spices if necessary. Add more sugar or spices according to your preference.
Pour the spiced hot chocolate into mugs. Top it with whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
For an extra touch, you can garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick. It adds a wonderful aroma and can serve as a stirrer for added flavor.
Serve the spiced hot chocolate to your kids while it's still warm and cozy. Be cautious as it might be hot, especially for younger children.