Category Archives: Bedtime Stories

8 Fun Activities to Celebrate National Family Pajama Day

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National Family Pajama Day is almost here, happening on November 14th. It’s that delightful day when you and your loved ones can don matching PJs and enjoy a fun-filled day together. So, roll out of bed, put on your coziest sleepwear, and make this day extra special with these relaxed and enjoyable activities.

1. Christmas Card Photo Shoot: Start your pajama-clad day by creating lasting memories. Gather your family and set up a DIY photoshoot. Put on your favorite holiday-themed pajamas and snap some heartwarming family pictures. These images will make the perfect addition to your annual Christmas cards, ensuring that your friends and family receive warm and festive greetings.

2. Breakfast in Bed: Begin your day of comfort with a hint of indulgence. Treat your family to a luxurious breakfast in bed. Everyone can choose their favorite morning treats – from fluffy pancakes to crispy bacon. Enjoy a leisurely morning in your pajamas, as you savor these delightful moments.

3. Movie Marathon: For a truly relaxed National Family Pajama Day, set up a movie marathon. Choose some of your family’s favorite films or TV series, make a giant bowl of popcorn, warn up some hot chocolate, and prepare for hours of cozy entertainment. Your matching pajamas will provide the perfect attire for this cinematic bonding experience.

4. Living Room Campout: Transform your living room into a cozy campsite. Gather blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags to create makeshift tents and forts. Share ghost stories, enjoy indoor s’mores (made in the microwave, of course), and let your family’s imagination run wild. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the camping experience while staying warm and bug-free in your pajamas.

5. Pajama Fashion Show: Channel your inner supermodel on this special day. Host a pajama fashion show where each family member gets to strut their stuff on the catwalk (or in your case, the living room). Encourage creativity and silliness by wearing your pajamas in the most stylish way possible. You’ll share a lot of laughter and create unforgettable memories.

6. DIY Spa Day: Make National Family Pajama Day a day of relaxation. Set up a DIY spa experience for the family. In your comfy PJs, take turns giving foot massages, applying face masks, and simply unwinding together. Share stories and create an atmosphere of tranquility and closeness.

7. Pajama Baking Challenge: Move the baking session to the next level with a pajama-clad baking challenge. Each family member can choose a baking project, and, in the spirit of competition, aim to create the most delicious treats. Taste-testing is, of course, an essential part of the challenge.

8. Bedtime Story Exchange: As the day comes to a close, savor a moment of togetherness. Host a bedtime story exchange where each member selects their favorite book or story to read aloud. Sharing stories and quality time before bedtime ensures a peaceful and heartwarming end to your National Family Pajama Day.

This November 14th, embrace the snugness of your favorite pajamas and celebrate National Family Pajama Day with these easygoing activities. Snap some photos along the way to capture the warmth and joy of this delightful day with your loved ones. Whether it’s the cozy moments spent together or the playful activities you engage in, National Family Pajama Day is a time to create lasting memories and strengthen your bonds with your family. So, put on those PJs, relax, and enjoy every moment.

Go-To Stories for your Children’s Bedtime Bliss

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Picture this: it’s that cozy time of the day when your little one’s energy starts to wind down, and the soft glow of bedtime is upon you. What do you reach for to make bedtime magic happen? We’re talking about those all-time favorite children’s bedtime storybooks that have been melting hearts and creating sweet dreams for generations.

It’s not just the stories themselves, though; creating the perfect bedtime atmosphere involves more than just words on a page. It’s about snuggling up in comfy pajamas, sharing giggles, and building a soothing routine that sets the stage for a night of restful sleep. These moments are when you and your child can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild, all while ensuring a peaceful night’s rest. So, join us as we explore these beloved bedtime tales that have become cherished companions in countless homes.

One bedtime classic that’s as timeless as it gets is “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. This book, born in 1947, has been tucking kids into bed for ages with its soothing rhymes and comforting illustrations. Its secret sauce? Simplicity! The book’s repetitive, gentle words and the act of saying goodnight to everything in the room make it the ultimate bedtime ritual.

Now, let’s hop over to “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak. Max, our wild-spirited hero, sets sail to an island inhabited by, well, wild things! The imaginative journey and whimsical illustrations have been capturing young hearts for over 50 years. It’s a bedtime must-read that sparks adventure in kids’ dreams.

If you fancy a chuckle with your nightly read, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” by Mo Willems is a hoot. Willems’ interactive style lets your little one take charge and tell that sneaky pigeon to hit the hay. The pigeon’s hilarious bedtime antics will have your child giggling, and it’s a relatable read for parents, too.

Speaking of imagination, “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson is a real gem. Harold, the young artist, uses his trusty purple crayon to draw his way into marvelous adventures. It’s a story that encourages kids to embrace their creativity and think outside the box—a perfect bedtime tale for budding dreamers.

Adding to this fantastic lineup is “Guess How Much I Love You” by Sam McBratney. This heartwarming tale of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare’s expressive declarations of love is sure to tug at your heartstrings.

For a modern classic, check out “The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. This clever mouse creates a tall tale about the Gruffalo to outwit potential predators. It’s a witty and heartwarming read, and your kids will love playing along with the story’s fun patterns.

In a world full of screens and busy schedules, these books offer a moment of serenity and togetherness. They create a magical space where you and your little one can bond, dream, and let imaginations run wild. Whether you take the recommendations above or have your own favorites, bedtime stories are the glue that holds generations together. These stories weave unforgettable memories, sprinkle stardust in your child’s dreams, and create a cozy cocoon of love and joy that makes bedtime something everyone looks forward to. So, grab your favorite book, snuggle up, and let the bedtime adventures begin! 🌙💤

Observe National Napping Day and begin a new routine

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Every year national napping day is observed on the Sunday that we Spring forward which this year is March 13th. Not only does this day encourage you to nap so that the time change doesn’t affect you too much, it also reminds us that napping is a critical part of keeping our bodies and our minds where they need to be. We have internal clocks that get set on a routine so something as minimal as an hour difference can cause chaos all around. This is especially true for animals and children.
Much needed rest makes you feel good, improves your mood, and gives you energy. After napping you will notice you just feel better and this is backed by numerous studies that show a short nap is extremely effective for midday fatigue. You’ll be more alert, productive, and happy.
So how do you get the most out of a nap? Here are some ideas and tips that will turn you into a napping expert.

1pm

Nap early enough in the day. Because you don’t want to interrupt your natural sleep cycle, getting your nap in early enough in the day will keep you on track. Researchers note that between 1-3pm is the ideal time to catch a few Zzzzz’s.

Dark Room

Have a good napping environment. To get the most out of a nap you have to have the right place to do it. A dark room where there is a minimum amount of noise is ideal. The whole point of the nap is to actually get some rest, so if you have a lot going on around you, trying to get some rest on the couch may not work out very well.

30 Minutes

Keep your nap short.  Studies have shown that a 20-30 minute nap is the sweet spot to get that reboot. If you sleep too long you are more likely to feel tired when you wake up.

Be comfortable. If you can, change into your pajamas or comfy clothes before you lay your head down. If you are tight or uncomfortable clothing can inhibit your ability to nap properly. Make comfort a priority.
Family Nap

Get the whole family in on it. If possible get the whole family to nap at the same time. It creates a quiet environment, gets everyone some much needed rest, and makes for a happier bunch for the rest of the day.

Latte

Try a caffeine nap. Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to do its thing and that’s almost exactly the amount of time that is recommended for afternoon naps. If you drink your coffee or latte before laying down for your nap, it should kick in right about the time you’re waking up to take on the 2nd half of the day.
Meditate

Clear your head. For most people, the biggest problem with napping is that you’re thinking too much. If you have a lot on your mind, try putting those things aside if even for a short time while you nap. You’re basically giving your brain a break and relieving stress.

Routine (1)

Practice, practice, practice. Many people just can’t get into nap mode. When you finally realize how important it is to work this critical rest in, you’ll understand the benefits. Just like you train yourself to go to the gym or manage a daily routine, you can do the same thing by getting your brain and body into a habit.

Bedtime

Maintain a normal night sleep routine. Just because you’re napping in the afternoon, don’t think that you can get less sleep at night. 8 hours per night is the recommended time for adults and having a schedule for going to bed and waking up keeps you on track. Look at the afternoon nap as a charge your body needs to be at its best.

Napping is a bit of an art but once you get it down you’ll be ever so thankful that you did. Your body, mind, and loved ones will thank you!

10 Classics for Your Fall Reading List

10 Classics for Your Fall Reading List

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It’s ‘back-to-school’ season and even if you’re a grown up or sans kiddos, you can still feed your brain by mixing some classics into your fall reading list. Fall is the perfect time to curl up in your pajamas with a good book, so make those moments count with these classic literary reads.

10 Books for Your Fall Reading List

Curl up with a good book in this PJ Salvage Fruit Playful Print Cotton Pajama Set in Navy

Grown-Up Bedtime Stories: Classics to Add to Your Reading List

1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

If you want a literary classic that is guaranteed to get your blood pumping, look no further than The Count of Monte Cristo. You could technically call this novel the first ‘action movie’ before movies. How’s this for a plot: an innocent man wrongly, but deliberately imprisoned spends his time locked away crafting a brilliant strategy for revenge against all who betrayed him. Should prove to be moderately entertaining!

2. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

In the mood for a wistful fall read? Laugh and cry with Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, the literary classic that follows the four March girls in this tale of poverty, womanhood, and growing up. In short: being a woman is complicated and becoming a woman is even more so.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A dash of romance in an over-the-top luxe 1920s setting. The Great Gatsby follows the story of eccentric millionaire Jay Gatsby as told by Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner who lives on Long Island but works in Manhattan. Gatsby’s enormous mansion is adjacent to Carraway’s modest home, and Carraway becomes curious about his neighbor after being invited to one of his famous parties. Romance, intrigue, and violence ensue as Gatsby’s intentions are revealed.

4. 1984 by George Orwell

This novel has seen a revival in popularity in recent years. Orwell’s story, published in 1949, unfolds in “futuristic” 1984 Oceania, the totalitarian superpower in post World War II Europe. In this world, most of the world’s population have become victims of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance and propaganda. This book was the catalyst for Big Brother paranoia. A thrilling, engaging, must-read that is as relevant today as it was 1949.

5. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

A dense and truly epic read, Great Expectations is arguably Charles Dickens’ masterpiece. The tale depicts the personal growth and development of an orphan nicknamed Pip. Be warned, Great Expectations is full of extreme imagery — poverty, prison ships and chains, and fights to the death — and has a colorful cast of characters that have endure in our mainstream popular culture. One for the literary bucket list.

10 Literary Classics to Add to Your Reading List

Get comfortable on the couch with this Evergreen Voile Cotton Pajama Set from The Cat’s Pajamas

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I mean, it’s fall so you have to watch the movie (any of them, really…) but why not actually read the book this season? A ‘modern’ Romeo and Juliet, this Jane Austen classic is a love story for the ages and perfect read for fall.

7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Already have your Halloween decorations ready to go? For the horror enthusiasts, dive into the classic of classics, Frankenstein written by Mary Shelley in 1818. You know the general plot based on the book’s lasting portrayal in popular culture, but nothing quite compares experiencing the original tale.

8. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

It doesn’t get more nostalgic than New England in the fall and J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye perfectly captures the old school prep-school vibe. Set around the 1950s, the story is narrated by a young man named Holden Caulfield. Holden untangles his past in a foggy, dreamlike narrative, with a startling surprise at the end.

9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

In case you’re not familiar with the epic takes that inspired the blockbuster movie of the same name and the Lord of The Kings films, J.R.R. Tolkien expertly crafts an entire universe filled with new races, places, and languages. Follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he leaves his quiet life to help a group of dwarves take back the Mountain from a dragon. Adventure awaits.

10. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Ok, so this may not fit your traditional idea of “classic literature,” but this ‘80s comedy science fiction trilogy was an adaptation of Adams’ radio series by the same name. The novel is a fictional guide book for hitchhikers galavanting around the universe with an alien, written in the form of an encyclopedia. A laugh-out-loud funny read that will awaken your childlike curiosity.

For more reading lists, movie recommendations, and fall recipes, visit our blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Fall Pajama Sets

Fall Reading List, Best Autumn Novels to Read in Your Pajamas

Fall Reading List: Curl Up in your PJs with These Wistful Novels

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The crisp fall weather inspires us to put on our warmest pajamas, curl up on the couch, and snuggle up with a soft blanket and a good book. Here we have listed our favorite fall reads across all genres. But what exactly constitutes a ‘fall read’?

When autumn sets in, the days get shorter and colder, making many people miss the carefree sun-filled days of summer. ‘Wistful’ is a word that is often used to describe books that give us a feeling of slight melancholy, usually brought on by nostalgia. Fall reminds us of childhood, school years, and signals that the holidays are just around the corner. Not all novels that remind us of fall take place in autumn. ‘Fall,’ in a feeling, is a mood that defines each of these moody classics.

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Thank You, Maurice!

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This post is belated to say the least, but there’s no such thing as being too late to appreciate the great Maurice Sendak. Maurice captured childhood and life in general in the short pages of children’s book, such as Where the Wild Things Are. Max was all of us: imaginative, wishful, and occasionally misguided.

At The Pajama Company, our favorite thing about Maurice and Where the Wild Things Are is the way they brought families, friends, and people together. Parents read his books to their children as they drift off to sleep, and those same children fondly remember his books when they’re grown. Maurice Sendak brought us together to explore life. This is exactly what The Pajama Company aims to do. We appreciate families and friendship. Comfort comes in at the top of our priority list. We want to thank and help the mothers that so devotedly read to their children through our partnership with Every Mother Counts.

We love Maurice. We love the way he saw life and the way he conveyed that perspective to others. Continue reading to your kids as you tuck them in at night, remembering Maurice Sendak’s contribution to all of us.

PS: Max in Where the Wild Things Are was a devout pajama-wearer. The Pajama Company has an extensive collection of pajamas for your kids so they can match Max as they read!

 

Bedtime Stories We Love

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The bedside lamp is turned low, the covers form a cushy fortress of wool and knitted quilt, and the air is electric with anticipation. In a few moments, our parents or older relatives will crack the spine of our favorite bedtime story, opening a portal into a world we will never forget. No matter how old we become, the stories that are read to us as children remain in our memories until we pass those stories on to our children, forming a generational tapestry of imagination.

So it is with “Goodnight, Moon,” one of the most beautiful bedtime stories ever written. With spare, elegant prose, and lush illustrations that invite you to linger in the pages of the book long after you have fallen asleep, “Goodnight, Moon” is the story of a bunny rabbit who wishes every item in the house a good night’s rest. Simple, yet affecting, this book was originally published in 1947, and remains a staple of nighttime storytelling.

While still on a bunny rabbit theme, the adventures of “Bunnicula” are excellent bedtime fare for the slightly older child. The amusing stories of a vampire bunny, as told by the family’s dog Harold, will encourage kids to develop not only their imaginations, but their sense of humor and adventure.

Picture-based books, especially those that feature glossy, full color photographs or renderings of fantastic ancient cultures, will enrich a child’s dreams, and invigorate the desire to explore. “See Inside an Egyptian Town” features detailed cross-sections of ancient Egyptian dwellings, palaces, and pyramids. Nothing is more exciting than the sensation of being able to peer into the past, especially when that past involves such magnificent monuments and artifacts as ancient Egypt.

Despite the fact that the “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” was deemed to be suitable bedtime reading for the characters of the grandfather and grandchild in the television series “Mad Men,” analytical historical texts should not necessarily be employed as a way to put children to sleep. However, more complex fictional fare, such as Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time” can make for quite exciting bedtime reading for exceptionally advanced children. A child will never forget the experience of reading an entire novel, night by night.

No matter the specific book, bedtime stories instill in us a feeling of being loved. To read, and be read to, is an experience that stays with us long after the lights have been turned off.

Here are a few of our featured bedtime stories just for kids:

Bear Snores On is a sweet story about a bear who just loves to sleep $16

It’s Too Soon is about a little bunny who isn’t quite ready for bed $14.95

Little Quack’s Bedtime is about bedtime for Widdle, Waddle, Piddle, Puddle and Little Quack  $14.95

The Life of Pajamas is about how one very special pair of pajamas spends the day $11