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Category Archives: Holidays

Mindful Moments: Finding Peace in the Chaos of the Holiday Season

In the whirlwind of holiday festivities, take a moment to step into tranquility. Explore mindfulness practices that promise serenity amidst the seasonal chaos, grounding yourself in the present moment. As the holiday season unfolds, discover the power of simple yet impactful techniques to infuse your home with a profound sense of calm.

And as you embark on this mindful journey, consider donning your coziest pajamas. Let the soft embrace of comfort be your initial guide in navigating the season with ease. Whether it’s the warmth of familiar fabrics or the soothing feel against your skin, your favorite pajamas will be the perfect companion in this pursuit of holiday serenity.

Breathe in, Breathe Out: Amidst the hustle and bustle, take a moment to reconnect with your breath. Inhale deeply, allowing the air to fill your lungs, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension. Repeat this mindful breathing exercise to center yourself and invite a sense of peace.

Create a Tranquil Space: Designate a serene corner in your home where you can retreat when the holiday frenzy becomes overwhelming. Filled with calming elements—soft cushions, flickering candles, or a touch of nature—this oasis will serve as a reminder to pause, breathe, and find solace. Wrapped in the gentle comfort of your cherished pajamas, let this space become your sanctuary for tranquility.

Mindful Appreciation: Amidst the chaos, consciously appreciate the beauty around you. Whether it’s the twinkling holiday lights, the warmth of a cozy blanket, or the laughter of loved ones, take a moment to savor these simple pleasures. Mindful appreciation enhances gratitude, fostering a positive and peaceful mindset.

Digital Detox Moments: In a world buzzing with notifications, grant yourself moments of digital detox. Silence your devices, disconnect from the virtual noise, and relish the simplicity of real-time connections. Engage in meaningful conversations, create memories, and be present with those around you.

Rituals of Relaxation: Establish rituals that promote relaxation and mindfulness. Whether it’s sipping a cup of herbal tea, indulging in a few pages of a favorite book, or practicing gentle stretches, these rituals create pockets of calm within the holiday storm. As you embrace these rituals, let the soft textures of your chosen pajamas enhance the overall sense of relaxation and comfort, allowing you to unwind in style.

Gratitude Journaling: End your day by jotting down a few things you are grateful for. Reflecting on positive moments fosters a mindset of gratitude, redirecting your focus from the chaos to the blessings that surround you.

As you navigate the bustling holiday schedule, let mindfulness be your guide to tranquility. These simple practices invite peace into your mind and home, creating a harmonious atmosphere amidst the festive chaos. Embrace the beauty of mindful moments, savor the present, and find peace in every breath.

Thanksgiving Morning Bliss: Pajama Edition

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Ah, Thanksgiving morning—a time of warmth, gratitude, and the delicious anticipation of a feast to come. What better way to embrace the spirit of the holiday than by starting the day in the coziest fashion possible: in your favorite pajamas? Let’s explore the simple joys of Thanksgiving morning bliss, all while wrapped in the comfort of your most cherished sleepwear.

Rise and Shine in Comfort – As the sun begins to cast its gentle glow on Thanksgiving morning, there’s a unique sense of anticipation in the air. Waking up on this special day, you can’t help but feel a little extra coziness under the softness of your favorite blanket. It’s a moment to relish, to take a deep breath, and appreciate the comfort of being surrounded by warmth and the promise of a wonderful day ahead—all while still in your pajamas.

Sipping Serenity: Hot Cocoa and More – With the morning chill outside, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a steaming cup of hot cocoa or indulging in the seasonal flavors of pumpkin spice coffee. Imagine yourself curled up on the couch, wrapped in the familiar softness of your pajamas, as you savor each sip. The rich, comforting flavors add to the overall warmth of the day, creating a perfect start to your Thanksgiving morning.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Extravaganza – No Thanksgiving morning is complete without the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Instead of braving the cold streets of New York City, revel in the magic of the parade from the comfort of your living room. Picture yourself nestled on the sofa in your coziest pajamas, watching favorite floats and giant balloons pass by on the television screen. It’s a tradition that marks the official kick-off to the holiday season and sets a festive tone for the day.

Preparing for the Feast: Pajama-Clad Kitchen Adventures – With the delightful aroma of Thanksgiving dishes filling the air, step into the heart of the home—the kitchen. Embrace the unique experience of preparing your favorite holiday recipes, all while wearing your favorite pajamas. Whether you’re whipping up a special breakfast treat or overseeing the turkey’s slow roasting, the joy of being both stylishly comfortable and productive in the kitchen is an essential part of the Thanksgiving morning bliss.

Pajama-Clad Gratitude Journal: A Family Tradition – This year, consider adding a new tradition to your Thanksgiving morning routine—the pajama-clad gratitude journal. Gather the family in their comfiest sleepwear and take a moment to reflect on the blessings of the past year. Encourage each family member to jot down what they’re thankful for, creating a heartwarming keepsake filled with memories and expressions of gratitude. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with loved ones and celebrate the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Start a delightful tradition that adds an extra layer of warmth to an already heartwarming day. Whether you’re sipping a comforting drink, enjoying the parade, or simply relishing the quiet moments before the festivities begin, being wrapped in the soft embrace of your favorite sleepwear sets the tone for a day filled with gratitude and joy. So, this Thanksgiving, embrace the Pajama Edition of morning bliss and start your day in comfort and style. Happy Thanksgiving!

6 Holiday beverages that are sure to please

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Whether you’re expecting a full house for the holidays or enjoying a quiet evening at home snuggled in your favorite pajamas, these warm and cozy drinks are sure to be enjoyed by all this holiday season.

Mulled Wine – Serves 4-5

Mulled wine is a drink enjoyed all over the world. It’s the perfect drink to keep you warm this holiday season.

1 bottle moderately-priced dry red wine

¼ cup orange liquor or brandy

1 orange – sliced into rounds

5 cloves, whole

2-3 cinnamon sticks

2 star anise

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – add more or less to taste.

Combine all ingredients in a medium pot and stir. Heat to just below a simmer on medium heat. Do not boil. Reduce to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, or for a fuller flavor cook for up to three hours. Strain and keep liquid only. Serve warm and garnish with orange slices or cinnamon sticks.

Traditional Irish Coffee – Individual Serving

You don’t have to be from Ireland to enjoy this classic winter favorite.

4 ounces hot coffee – regular or decaf.

1 ½ teaspoons packed brown sugar – use more or less to taste

1 ½ ounces Irish Whiskey – use a quality brand for the best flavor

1 ounce heavy cream – whipped

Pour the coffee into a mug or heatproof glass. Add the brown sugar to the coffee and stir until dissolved. Add Irish Whisky and stir again. Slowly top with the fresh whipped cream letting the cream float on top of the coffee mixture. For the best flavor and experience don’t stir the cream into the drink – drink the coffee through the cream – Delicious!

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss – Individual Serving

This drink is the perfect mixture of soothing chocolate and refreshing peppermint – and it’s so simple to make.

6 ounces of prepared hot chocolate

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce White Crème de Mint

1 ounce Heavy Cream – Whipped

Chocolate kisses and crushed peppermints for garnish.

Prepare your favorite hot chocolate in a mug or heatproof glass. Stir in Crème de Cacao and White Crème de Minte. Top with Fresh Whipped Cream and Garnish with a chocolate kiss and crushed peppermints.

Hot Apple Cider* – Serves 5-6

Not only does this hot apple cider taste great – it’s a great way to bring out the warm aromas of the holiday season.

½ gallon fresh apple cider

½ cup whiskey, apple brandy or cinnamon whiskey

¼ cup brown sugar

1 orange – sliced in rounds

2 cinnamon sticks – add additional cinnamon sticks for garnish

Combine all ingredients into a slow cooker and cover. Bring to a simmer on low heat and cook for 3 – 4 hours. Stir occasionally. Reduce heat to warm when ready to serve and garnish.

English Cider* – Serves 4

You’ll love this twist on the traditional Hot Apple Cider!

½ gallon fresh apple cider

6 tea bags – English Breakfast or Earl Gray

2 ounces brandy

2 ounces dark rum

1 – 2 Lemons – sliced in rounds

¼ cup honey – add more or less to taste

In a medium pot, bring apple cider to a simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes and let apple cider reduce. Remove cider from heat and add the tea bags, brandy, dark rum, lemon and honey. Let seep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and serve warm with a garnish of lemon.

Snow Angel* – Makes 2 Servings

This creamy heavenly drink is the perfect treat to enjoy after dinner. You’ll have a hard time having just one.

2 tablespoons white chocolate chips

2 tablespoons caramel sauce

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk – use 1% or 2%

2-4 ounces Baileys Irish Cream

1 cup mini marshmallows

In a small pot combine the first 4 ingredients. Heat on low to simmer, continuously stirring until chocolate chips are melted. Remove from heat and stir in Baileys. Pour in mug and top with mini marshmallows, and caramel drizzle.

Don’t drink alcohol? Make it a mocktail instead. Drinks marked with an “*” can be made without alcohol and are just as delicious! Cheers and Happy Holidays.

Gifting the Perfect Pair of Pajamas

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Everyone loves (and needs) a great pair of comfortable pajamas! What better reason to give the gift of Pajamas this holiday season – or for that matter to celebrate those close to you at any special occasion throughout the year.

So now you have the perfect gift idea – but how do you pick the perfect pair of pajamas to give with so many choices out there? We’ve got you covered. Follow these tips to pick out the ideal pair!

Who’s on your gift list?

Pajamas are considered a personal gift and are usually gifted to those close to us. Think about who you’re buying for and ask yourself some questions about their style and interests to help you narrow it down.

Would they prefer pajamas with a more tailored look – like a two-piece classic set? Or, would they be more comfortable in a lounge style set? You can even mix and match pieces with some of the more casual styles.

Color is also something to think about. Do they have a favorite color or pattern that they really love? The options are endless. You can find pajamas in any color and with tons of different designs to fit any personality.

Think about their interests and what they are passionate about. Are they an animal lover? Gardner? Do they have a love of food & wine? Whatever their interests, it’s pretty likely that you’ll find a set of PJs that expresses this and it’s sure to put a smile on their face.

Where do they live?

Consider where your gift is headed. The fabric of the pajamas plays a big part in keeping a person comfortable in either warm or cold climates. You want to make sure you pick the right pair for the right climate and time of season.

If the person you are buying for lives in warmer climate, consider purchasing pajamas made of a lighter fabric such as cotton or satin. These fabrics are breathable and help to keep you cool. If they live in a colder climate, pick a pair made of a warmer cozier material such as flannel or fleece that will keep them warm when the temperature dips.

What about the Kids?

Kids love snuggling up in their jammies. Pajamas make a great gift for kids and can help ensure they will get a good night’s sleep. Some things to consider when shopping for kids are the age and size of the child. For infants, footie pajamas or flapjacks are great choices – something that covers them but accommodates for easy diaper changes. Add a snug sack to keep them warm in colder climates.

For toddlers, it’s a good idea to go with a footless pair of pajamas. This allows them to be barefoot, so as they learn to walk, they will have more stability and it helps to keep them from slipping. Also, for kids potty training it’s a great idea to stick with a two-piece set.

For all kids, Pick a fun colorful pattern, and when choosing the correct size make sure that the pajamas are not too tight or restrictive, but fit comfortably and stretch with the child as they move at night.

Make it a family affair

If you are looking for a gift for an entire family, then matching family pajamas are a must! It’s a hot trend that keeps getting bigger and you can even include the dog! Plus, you’ll look great spending your time together and the themed photo opp makes great social media content!

Pajamas make the perfect gift for the special someone(s) in your life. You know they will love them, wear them, and appreciate them. Happy Shopping.

Smart Shopping on the Busiest Weekend of the Year!

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The holiday season is here – and that means so is the busiest shopping time of the year. While you can find all kinds of great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday the chaos can be overwhelming and stressful. But whether you’re heading out to the stores or shopping online from the comfort of your home, there are things you can do to find the best deals and keep from overspending or making impulse purchases.

Set a Budget. It’s easy to get caught up in all the fabulous deals you find out there. But just because something is on sale, it doesn’t mean you should buy it. Make a list of the items you plan to buy and then put a limit on how much you can spend for each item. Setting a budget – and of course sticking to it – will help you not overspend or purchase items you may not need just because they are on sale. You’ll be happy you did after the holidays! Bonus Tip: When shopping online, make sure to take shipping fees into account and include them in your budget!

Scope Things out Ahead of time. Companies are already advertising Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales. Start scoping out the items you want now and make a plan. Find out who has what you’re looking for and at the best price. We all know how it feels to buy something at one place – only to see it somewhere else for a lower price. Just because you see an item advertised at what looks to be a great deal, doesn’t mean it’s not available somewhere else for a lower price. Compare prices of items at different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal around.

Know Store Return and Exchange Policies. Before you hit that “buy” button or fork over your cash, make sure you are aware of the retailer’s return and exchange policy. While some companies do offer extended return windows during the holidays, many companies can enforce stricter return policies and lots of times deeply discounted purchases can also mean it’s not returnable. Be on the lookout for “final sale” or restocking fees for larger items. Make sure to ask for gift receipts when purchasing items for others and include it with the gift. Make sure to read the fine print and if you’re not sure what the store policy is, be sure to ask before you buy!

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs. Most retailers these days have some sort of loyalty membership program. These programs often give members early access to sales and additional coupons – and you can earn rewards on your purchases! It’s a win-win. Once you’ve scoped out what you want and where you can find the best deal, sign up for the store’s loyalty program. Lots of times you can even save on shipping fees!

And Finally – Start Early! Lots of stores are already advertising great deals. You don’t have to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday to snatch up the savings. If you see a good deal – grab it.

So you have leftover fruitcake… Now what?

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There are two types of people. Those that love fruitcake, and those that don’t. If you happen to be in the 2^nd group, but find yourself the recipient of a fruitcake gift this holiday season, your first instinct may be to re-gift it.

But what if you can’t think of a single person who may actually like the stuff? You don’t want to be wasteful and toss it, so what should you do with it? Believe it or not, there are ways to make fruitcake absolutely delicious. Here are four recipes you’ve just got to try that will give you a whole new opinion of Christmas fruitcake.

Fruitcake Bread Pudding – This is our very own recipe that turns what can be a dry cake into a moist delicious dessert. The recipe is super simple and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. You’ll need:

1 fruit cake

3 cups milk

1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 Tbsp Vanilla

Rum Sauce

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 Tbsp whipping cream

4 tablespoons dark rum

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Tear or cut fruitcake into bite-sized pieces and put in baking dish. Whisk sugar and eggs together then add milk and vanilla. Pour this mixture over fruitcake pieces and let soak for at least 30 minutes. Then bake for 30 minutes.

While pudding is cooking, heat all sauce ingredients in a pan over medium heat at a simmer stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. About 15 minutes. Pour over warm bread pudding.

Fruitcake French Toast – A great twist on this favorite breakfast food Myrecipes.com has a tasty recipe that’s sure to put a smile on your family’s face. If you want to use up other holiday ingredients, substitute ½ cup of eggnog for 2 of the eggs and the heavy cream.

Fruitcake Ice Cream – So, so easy! Just chunk up leftover fruitcake and mix it into store-bought vanilla ice cream with some roasted blanched almonds. Another option is to mix the chunked-up cake into butter pecan ice cream. If shakes are your thing, give it whirl in the blender with a splash of milk!

Fruitcake Pops – Even the kids will love these and you can let them help you decorate them! All you need is 2 cups crumbled fruitcake and 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, cut into bits. Grind the fruitcake in a food processor until it forms a ball then using damp hands form your cake balls. Let the cake balls rest on waxed paper for 30 minutes and then put them on sticks. Melt your chocolate in the microwave stirring often until smooth and once completely melted; carefully dip the cake balls in the chocolate. Use Styrofoam or foil tightly wrapped over a deep pan to keep the pops upright until the chocolate hardens. Then decorate any way you wish!

There are many other ways to use that fruitcake besides these recipes that will make it delicious. Try using it in a trifle or mix it with yogurt and make a parfait. The possibilities are endless if you just get a little creative. We’d love to hear your ideas! Share them here or over on our Facebook page!

7 Ways You Can Support Small Businesses

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The Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as Small Business Saturday. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the millions of small businesses in the United States, and is designed to encourage people to shop small and bring more holiday shopping dollars to these small businesses as opposed to big-box retailers.

In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever that we show support for both local shops and small online sellers that sometimes struggle to compete with large chains and mega-retailers. Here are five ways that you can support the little guy and make a big difference in their bottom line.

Shop their stores. The best way that you can support a small business is by spending money in their stores and on their websites. Not only do you help them to remain in business, but you ensure that they will be around for years to come.

Give their gift cards. Everywhere you go you’ll find gift cards for sale for huge national businesses. They are easy to buy right as you check out at many stores. Why not go out of your way and stop at a local shop or go to a small businesses’ website and spend your money there instead? It really helps out the mom and pop shops that vie for your business and work hard to stay afloat. You may also introduce the recipient of the gift card to a business they have never shopped before.

Write a positive review. We’re always quick to post negative reviews if we have a bad experience but if you have a wonderful interaction at a small business; it’s just as important, if not more, that you share your great experience with other people. Your positive online review is the perfect way to give a small business a boost.

Share your purchases. If you buy something that you just love, share it with your friends and family through pictures on social media. Many times people don’t know what some of these small stores and online retailers sell. This is a great way of showing their merchandise to other people who may also be interested in the same type of thing or be inspired to check it out themselves.

Subscribe to their newsletter. Small businesses depend on staying front of mind when it comes to earning business and repeat shoppers. One of the ways they do this is by sharing news, sales, and new merchandise with their customers. Email newsletters are the most popular and efficient way to get the word out and keep you in the loop on all their exclusive content.

Be social. Following a small business online, commenting, liking, sharing their posts, and tagging them are all ways to bring attention to their stores. The more interaction a small business has online, the bigger their boost when it comes to being discovered by new shoppers.

Refer friends and family. If you love a small business tell everyone! Scream from the highest mountain how great your favorite shop or online seller is. Every time you talk about them you potentially encourage a new customer to check them out.

As a small business ourselves, we are thankful for the amazing customer relationships we have developed over the years and are grateful to all of you that have continued to support The Pajama Company. We look forward to being the go-to for all your pajama needs for many years to come.

Are you ready for Christmas? Your last-minute holiday checklist

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Christmas is just days away and as prepared as we think we are, there always to seems to be something we forget to do or get ready for. We’re here to help make sure that your holiday runs smoothly with a Christmas checklist you’ll want to refer to every year. Don’t forget to check it twice and then sit back and enjoy the magic of Christmas!

Check the fridge and pantry: There is nothing worse than getting ready to prepare an amazing holiday meal only to find out that you don’t have an ingredient on hand and the stores are closed. Write down everything you plan to make and then inventory your refrigerator and pantry. Don’t forget appetizers and beverage needs.

Remember service folks: Show your hairstylist, trash removal workers, the kid’s teachers, and all the people who make your life easier how much you appreciate them during the holidays. A gift card is a perfect way to do this allowing them to choose what’s right for them. Your delivery drivers and postal employees work especially hard this time of year, but they may not be able to accept gifts or only those valued under a certain amount. Check with your local offices to find out what they are allowed to receive. Another great idea is to leave a basket of goodies (think pre-packaged snacks, bottled water, and juice) at your door so they can grab a snack. With all the packages they are delivering, they may not have time to stop for a meal. Your gesture will be truly appreciated.

Pick up stocking stuffers: Many times we find ourselves in a position where we could use a quick gift or stocking stuffer. Be prepared by picking up a few extra little tidbits for these very occasions. A good rule of thumb is to get something that you yourself would use, eat, or want and is not anything that would be outdated next year. That way, if you don’t give it as a gift, you can use it for yourself or keep it for next year.

Don’t forget the pets: When busy shopping and picking out the perfect gifts for the humans in our lives, we sometimes forget about the furry critters that live with us. They like Christmas too! A couple of toys or treats for our fur-babies will make them extra happy during the hustle and bustle of the season. Most times, these gifts should be kept in an out of pet-reach place until you are ready to give them their goodies. 9 out of 10 times, under the tree is not a wise choice – trust us on this. 

Schedule visit times: Family gatherings will be a bit different this year as large get-togethers aren’t recommended. If you have a lot of people you want to communicate with on Christmas it might be a good idea to create some kind of a schedule where can connect with them. This way you’ll be sure to share your season’s greetings with everyone you love and care about.

Wrap it up: Are all those presents you hid throughout the house wrapped? Make one last sweep of all your favorite hiding place to make sure you’ve got them all. You don’t want to remember Christmas morning that you forgot those 2 on the top shelf in the linen closet behind the towels.

Make your own checklist: One of the most important things you can do is create a list of your own. Are the Christmas Morning Pajamas clean? Is your holiday music playlist ready to go? Have all the decorations been put up? There are so many things to think about. If you plan in advance and keep yourself organized you’ll be able to enjoy the very long holiday weekend with no worries!

Merry Christmas!

Easy Homemade Stocking Stuffers Perfect for Holiday Gift Giving

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Many people are doing Thanksgiving weekend a little differently this year. Lots of folks won’t be traveling or hosting large get-togethers. Black Friday will be a more virtual event than anything else, and you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time at home with your immediate family.

So how can you spend your time after the feast is over? Enjoy a day of making homemade stocking stuffers! It’s a great way to spend fun family time, and you’ll have some wonderful gifts for the holiday season. These homemade presents will be perfect for friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and even your mail carrier or hairdresser. Pretty much anyone you’d like to share a little cheer with!

There are tons of great ideas out there, and many of them you can do with things you already have in your home. Here are some of our favorites. We hope you’ll find this fun to make and spread joy to others.

Mint Sugar Scrub – Every gal loves beauty products and you only need a few ingredients to make this absolutely fabulous sugar scrub. All you need is ½ cup oil of your choice (we like coconut), 1/12-2 cups of sugar, 1 Tablespoon of peppermint extract, and a drop of green food color. Warm the oil in the microwave for about 20 seconds and add 1 ½ cups of sugar, the extract, and color. Mix everything until well combined (add some more sugar if it’s too moist). Pur in small mason jars and decorate with a festive ribbon or cloth under the canning lid. You can also use different essential oils or extracts (with different food colorings) to make a variety of scents.

Salt Dough Ornaments – There is nothing more special on a tree than a one of a kind handmade ornament. Simply mix up 4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water in a mixing bowl. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Roll it out and cut shapes with holiday cookie cutters or better yet, go freestyle. Be sure to make a hole for hanging (a straw works great) Bake for about an hour at 300°F until dry. Let them cool and then decorate!

Cinnamon Stick Candle Holder – Fill the air with the sweet smell of cinnamon for the holidays. It doesn’t get easier than this. Place cinnamon sticks around a candle, and hold them in place with a rubber band. Then cover the band with twine or ribbon for a beautiful, deliciously smelling gift.

Hot Cocoa Mix – Another stocking stuffer in a mason jar brings a sweet warm treat to all! Layer cocoa, sugar, powdered milk, and marshmallows in a jar. Decorate and share the sweet love. We found a great recipe at The Food Network

Sweater Stockings – Want to step it up a notch? Create the actual stocking and stuff it with your handmade gifts using old sweaters. This is quite easy and they are absolutely adorable. Trace a stocking on an old sweater, cut it out, and then sew it inside out with the foldover sewn the opposite way. Use fabric scraps, ribbon, or wood or metal house numbers to personalize.

We hope you’ll have tons of fun making these gifts! From the team at the Pajama Company, Happy Thanksgiving!

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