Sizing up, choosing fabrics that survive the wash, and making the photo happen.
Some family traditions start with a big plan. Ours started with a pair of reindeer pajamas I bought on December 23rd because the store was out of everything else. My toddler wore them on Christmas Eve, refused to take them off on Christmas morning, and asked for “the deer pajamas” every night until roughly March.
That is the secret to a Christmas Eve pajama tradition: it is less about the photo and more about giving your kids something they actually want to wear. If you are thinking of starting one this year, here is how to make it work, and how to choose pajamas that earn their place in the drawer long after the decorations come down.
Why Christmas Eve pajamas work
Christmas Eve is a hard night for small children. They are overexcited, routines have slipped, and bedtime can feel like a negotiation. New pajamas give the evening a clear shape. Open one present, have a bath, put on the new pajamas, read one story, go to bed.
It also gives you a natural moment to slow down. For us, it became the one part of the holidays that felt calm instead of busy.
Size up, always
This is the rule I wish I had followed from the start. Children grow fast, and holiday pajamas bought in the exact current size often fit for a few weeks.
Buy one size up for toddlers and preschoolers. A slightly long leg can be rolled, and you get a whole winter of wear instead of a couple of weeks. For babies, look for designs with fold-over cuffs or stretchy fabric that allows a bit of growing room.
A good fit is still important for safety. Children’s sleepwear should be snug-fitting or flame-resistant, so look for pajamas labeled as snug-fitting and avoid loose, flowing styles for little ones.
Choose fabrics that survive the wash
Holiday pajamas tend to be worn hard and washed often. A few things make a big difference to how long they last:
- Soft, breathable fabric. Cotton is a reliable choice. Many parents also like viscose from bamboo for its softness and stretch, especially for babies, who wear their pajamas for naps as well as nights.
- Quality seams and fastenings. Zips that run smoothly and seams that sit flat stop the pajamas from becoming a “nope” item after one wash.
- Colors and prints that age well. A classic stripe or a subtle winter print will feel just as right in February. Big novelty slogans tend to get retired on December 26th.
If you have a baby in the house, a pair of bamboo baby pajamas with a zip is the most practical choice I know. Night diaper changes are quicker, the fabric stays soft after lots of washes, and they double as daywear on slow winter mornings. Some brands, including Love to Dream, have made bamboo sleepwear in sizes that run from baby through to toddler, which is handy if you want the whole family in a matching print.
Matching pajamas without the stress
Matching family pajamas are lovely in photos, but they can be hard to pull off when everyone is a different size and shape. A few ways to make it easier:
- Match the color, not the exact print. Plaid in the same color family looks coordinated without needing identical sets.
- Buy kids first. Children’s sizes sell out first, so secure those and then find adult pajamas that complement them.
- Let older kids choose. A five-year-old who picked their own pajamas will wear them with pride.
Making the photo happen
If you want the classic Christmas Eve photo, a little planning helps:
- Take it before bath time, not after, when everyone is calmer but still awake
- Use natural light near a window or the glow of the tree
- Take lots of shots in burst mode, because someone will always be blinking
- Keep it short. Five minutes is plenty before patience runs out
The best photos in our collection are not the posed ones. They are the blurry, laughing ones taken after the posed attempt fell apart.
Keeping the tradition going
The beauty of this tradition is that it grows with your children. Babies get soft, practical sleepwear. Toddlers get their favorite characters or colors. Older kids can help choose pajamas for younger siblings.
When you are choosing toddler pajamas this year, think about February as well as Christmas Eve. If they are comfortable, a little roomy and soft enough to wear every night, they will still be in rotation long after the tree comes down, which, in my experience, is the best sign of a good pick.
