Tag Archives: christmas

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.

Infuse Your Home with Joy: DIY Holiday Potpourri

Transforming your home into a winter wonderland of comforting scents is not only a treat for yourself but also the perfect gift for loved ones when you pair these delightful DIY holiday potpourri recipes with the coziest pajamas. So, slip into your favorite loungewear, grab a cup of something warm, and let’s embark on a journey to create a tranquil atmosphere and radiates warmth and relaxation that captures the essence of the holidays.

1. Festive Citrus Delight: Combine dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a citrusy blend that evokes memories of cozy evenings by the fireplace. The vibrant orange hues complement the holiday decorations, creating a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.

2. Winter Woods Serenity: Capture the essence of a winter forest by mixing pine cones, cedar twigs, and a dash of nutmeg. This woodsy potpourri brings the outdoors in, offering a sense of serenity and calmness that is perfect for unwinding after a busy day of holiday preparations.

3. Spiced Apple Bliss: Embrace the comforting aroma of spiced apples by combining dried apple slices, cinnamon, anise stars, cloves, and a hint of vanilla. This sweet and spicy blend not only fills your home with a delicious fragrance but also invites a sense of relaxation, making it the ideal accompaniment for a cozy evening in your favorite pajamas.

4. Gingerbread Indulgence: Transport yourself to a festive bakery with a potpourri that smells just like gingerbread cookies, use dried oranges, cloves, anise, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg. The rich, sweet scent is a delightful treat for the senses, bringing a feeling of indulgence and warmth to your holiday home. A great extra touch when gifting is to include a cookie cutter!

5. Cranberry Cheers: Craft a potpourri of dried cranberries, rosemary, and a hint of orange peel for a tart and refreshing aroma. This combination not only adds a pop of festive color to your space but also invigorates the senses, creating an atmosphere of holiday cheer.

How to Create and Use Your Holiday Potpourri:

  • Gather Your Ingredients: Collect a variety of dried fruits, spices, and herbs that match your desired scent profile.
  • Combine and Customize: Experiment with different combinations until you find the perfect blend. Adjust the quantities to suit your preferences for each fragrance note.
  • Assemble and Display: Place your chosen ingredients in a decorative bowl or pouch. Arrange strategically in different areas of your home, such as the living room, bedroom, or even by your bedside, for a continuous waft of holiday goodness. For more intense scent, all of these recipes can also be simmered on the stovetop or potpourri burner.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: If gifting these aromatic wonders, elevate their charm by packaging them in festive jars adorned with a velvet ribbon or placing them in decorative pouches tied with a bow. Add a personalized touch with a handwritten note, and just like that your beautiful potpourri becomes a heartwarming gift that embodies the spirit of the season.
  • Refresh as Needed: Revitalize the fragrance by gently stirring the potpourri or adding a drop or two of essential oils to enhance the aroma throughout the season.

Delight in the art of crafting a festive and tranquil ambiance in your home. Feel free to explore and experiment with unique scents and creative ideas. The enchanting aroma will captivate your senses, and those who receive these delightful creations as gifts will truly appreciate the thoughtfulness behind this uniquely special present.

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

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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!

Looking for the perfect gift? Unique holiday gift baskets they’re gonna love!

With the holiday gift-giving season in full swing, we all have that person or people in our lives, that are either impossible to shop for, already have everything, or we’re just not finding something that screams “this is it”. Sure you can go grab a gift card, a bottle of wine, or a pre-made gift box and give those as gifts. That would be quick and easy right?

We have a better idea. Make unique gift baskets for everyone on your list this year. They are completely customizable, look beautiful, and you have complete control of their contents. Plus, we think you might have some fun making them too!

We’ll get your creative juices flowing with 10 basket ideas we plan on making this year.

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Bloody Mary Basket. The vodka is the centerpiece of this basket so make sure you get a nice bottle. Add a bottle of Bloody Mary mix, hot sauce, seasoned salt, an array of pickled condiments, and some snack mix to round your basket out.  As a nice Added Touch, you could add personalized glasses with the recipient’s name.

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Spa Day Basket. There are no rules for this one. Fill it with scented body washes, scrubs or sugars, bath accessories, facial treatments, and even a pair of warm slippers to tie it all together. A few candles, a fragrant diffuser, and soft music CD makes this gift even more special.

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Pet Lovers Basket. Sometimes, when you give the gift to the special fur baby in someone’s life, you’re doing much more than giving the human parent something. You can fill these baskets with so many goodies like dog treats, toys, pet outfits, or even a new dish for food or water. Top it off with a beautiful frame for the human, so that they can proudly display their favorite picture of their beloved companion.

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Salad Addict Gift Basket. You probably don’t want to add fresh produce to this gift, but you can give them wonderful additions to the standard salad. Think nuts, dried berries, tortilla strips, croutons, artichoke hearts, olive oils, a bottle of fancy vinegar, and don’t forget the gourmet dressings (make sure you don’t choose ones that need refrigeration). Instead of a basket, use a large salad bowl to hold everything and finish it off with serving utensils.

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The Cuddle Up Basket. This is for the person who either needs to relax or loves spending a peaceful day at home. Start with a set of pajamas, warm socks, a cozy blanket, and then include herb tea and honey or some trendy hot chocolate bombs. If you know what kind of movies they like, include a couple of Blu-ray discs.

Wine Gift

The Wine Drinkers Basket. Yep, we said a bottle of wine was quick and easy but an entire wine basket is a whole different thing. Choose good wines, and add wine glasses, wine glass charms, coasters, and chocolates. A wonderful added touch would be a gift certificate to a local cheese shop. Shopping for a beer lover instead? Swap out the wine items for craft brews, beer mugs, beef jerky, and nuts.

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The Breakfast Basket. The most important meal of the day has no rules. Pancake mix, maple syrup, bacon (make sure they can refrigerate right away), jams, breakfast biscuits, granola bars, coffee, tea, homemade sweet bread/muffins, or anything else you think they will enjoy can be added to this thoughtful gift. If you want to add some non-food items, consider coffee mugs or a gift certificate to a local restaurant for champagne brunch.

The Pickle Fanatic Basket. There are hundreds of different kinds of pickles out there. If you know someone crazy for pickles, this is a wonderful treat. You can get hot & spicy ones, sweet ones, sour ones, big pickles, and small pickles. You can even find things like pickle-flavored candy, chips, vodka, and nuts. A quick internet search of ‘pickle flavored’ will shock you. If you know someone who lives for hot sauce, you could do that instead.

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The Pasta Chef  Basket. Fill it with unique kinds of pasta, robust sauces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pasta serving spoon, and a chef hat. Sweeten it up with Italian cookies and some limoncello.

The Barbecue Master Basket. Perfect for the king –or queen – of the grill, you can get super creative here. A nice set of BBQ tools, seasonings & rubs, barbeque sauces, hot pads, hickory or apple chips, metal skewers, and a digital meat thermometer are just some of the items you can stuff this basket with. Want to really make an impression? A gift certificate to the local meat market will make their holiday extra great!

When it comes to gift baskets, there is no right or wrongs. They are fun to make, always get a wonderful reception, and allow you to give folks exactly what they like. Come up with your own theme and fill those baskets full!

If you have creative ideas for unique gift baskets, please share them here or over on our Facebook page.

Stay calm for the holidays. How to cope with holiday stress

Ahhh… the holidays. If you’re anything like us, you love this time of year. The festivities, celebrating with family and friends, and the all-out joyous feeling of the season truly does make it the most wonderful time of the year.

The only real downside of the holiday season is the inevitable rise in our stress levels. So many places to be, so many things to do, and it always seems like there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done.

Don’t fret. You’ve got this. With these simple tips, you’ll skate through the holiday season with a minimal amount of stress.

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  1. Plan ahead. It may sound easier said than done, but if you make a list and check it twice, you’ll find that keeping organized can take a ton of stress away. You’ll have a better idea of what you need to do and when you need to do it. It also feels pretty great every time you can cross something off!

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  1. Remember to take time for yourself. Putting on your favorite pajamas, wrapping up in a cozy blanket, and enjoying a hot cup of tea can do wonders for helping you to relax.  Better yet, take an afternoon to treat yourself to a massage, a manicure, or a pedicure.
  2. Carry out a random act of kindness. It doesn’t have to be something huge. Keep an eye out for someone who may not be as fortunate as you, or is having a hard time, and do something nice for them. Have a neighbor that’s going through a difficult period in their lives? Bring them over some homemade cookies. Know someone who could use some help making the holidays special for their family? Purchase a couple of gifts for them (they don’t have to be expensive) that they can put under the tree. Helping others gives a whole new perspective on the true meaning of the season.
  3. Volunteer your time. Yes, we did say that it seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day, but if you can make yourself available for even a couple of hours to visit a nursing home, children’s hospital, or another facility that could use some extra holiday cheer – do it. The joy you bring others can be the biggest stress reliever of all. You’ll bring smiles to those who can’t celebrate the holidays as they should be.
  4. Exercise. It is a proven fact that exercise reduces stress. Physical activity stimulates your brain’s ‘happy’ neurotransmitters AKA endorphins. The positive flow of these mood elevators keep you on an even keel and naturally relieve stress. You also get the added bonus of working off those holiday treats you may have overindulged on.

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  1. Eat Good Food. It’s no secret that the holidays provide an overabundance of food that’s probably not so good for you. It’s literally everywhere and a poor diet can bring your blood pressure up which in turn can increase your body’s stress levels. It’s not that you can’t partake in the flavors of the season, just make sure that you stick to some kind of a healthy routine and include foods like citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, yogurt, and omega-rich seafood which are all known stress reducers.
  2. Wine. Need we say more?

And that’s it. Follow these tips and you’ll ease through the holiday’s feeling great and with less stress. You’ll be able to enjoy and take in all that this beautiful season of love and giving has to offer.

Happy Holidays from all of us at The Pajama Company!

You Need a Saturday Morning in Pajamas

The holidays are officially here! Shopping, holiday parties, and all the other seasonal festivities can have you juggling a pretty hectic schedule. Instead of rushing around and feeling stressed about everything you have to do, take two steps back and plan a Saturday morning at home in your pajamas.

We’ve got some great ideas to help you plan a perfect morning full of food, fun, and of course – family!

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Start it right with breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but you can make it extra special by changing things up. Get the whole family involved in making the meal by assigning everyone something special to make. Then when all cooking is done, you can all sit down together in your pj’s and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

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Another great idea is to have your breakfast in bed. Maybe the parents cook for the kids or better yet… let the kids cook and then serve it to you in bed. They get to show their creative sides and you get to sleep in!

 

Play games

After you’ve had your morning meal, why not get the gang together and play some good old-fashioned board games? You can play learning games, games of strategy, or just silly games that make everyone laugh. Regardless of what you choose, there is no need to change out of your pajamas!

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Decorate for the holidays

Since this is the holiday season, have the whole family partake in the decorating process. Get all your baubles and festive decor together, and let them loose. Instead of a chore (which it can sometimes feel like), the joy of being in your comfortable pajamas will make it a fun activity and allow everyone to be a part of creating your holiday atmosphere.

 

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Have a movie morning

Who says a movie marathon or binge watching can only take place at night? Saturday mornings are the perfect time to cozy up on the couch or in bed, pajamas and all. Watch your favorite flick, finally check out that film you’ve wanted to see, or even binge-watch episodes of the hottest new series that everyone’s talking about. Pop some corn, make some hot cocoa, relax, and enjoy the show!

 

Go independent

Yes! A Saturday morning in pajamas can also be about everyone doing their own thing! Give the family the chance to decide themselves how they want to spend their time (as long as pajamas are involved). Someone may want to just read a book while someone else may want to make cookies. There is no plan you have to follow. The sky’s the limit!

 

These are just a few ideas you can try and we know you’ll probably come up with tons of other great activities you can incorporate; we just wanted to get you started. We’re sure once you try it yourself; there will be many more ‘Saturday morning in pajamas’ days in your future!

 

We’d love to hear about how you do a pajama day! Share with us in the comments or tell us about them on our Facebook page!

Easy DIY Dog Treats

How to Make Holiday “Cookies” for Your Dog

Winter is the time of year to get cozy at home. There is no better way to make a house feel warm and welcoming than with the smell of freshly baked treats. Throughout the holiday season home bakers are whipping up batches of cookies for family, friends, and neighbors — so why not your best furry friend?

Even if you’re not a baker, we promise that your pup won’t be as critical of your skills as your human friends and family! As with any changes to your dogs diet, we advise that you consult your vet first and consider possible allergies before feeding these treats to your buddy.

Lazy One Red Plaid Bear Cheeks FlapJack for Dogs

Matching pajamas for the whole family, including Fido! “Bear Cheek” FlapJack pajamas for dogs by Lazy One.

8 Incredible Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

1. Easy Peanut Butter Dog Treats

You’d be hard pressed to find a basic human cookie recipe that’s this easy to make! With only four ingredients and a few steps, your pup can be enjoying warm peanut butter goodness fresh from the oven! We’re willing to bet you have all or most of the ingredients in your fridge already. Get the super simple recipe from Damn Delicious here.

2. Peanut Butter Bacon Dog Donuts

If you give a dog a donut… These adorable treats are inspired by the children’s book by Laura Numeroff. If you’re worried about the sodium content in the bacon, opt for a natural, low-to-no sodium brand, or just skip it all together. He’ll be plenty happy with the peanut butter. Get the recipe from Sunny Day Family here.

3. Chicken and Biscuits Dog Treats

Deviating from the peanut butter theme for a moment, here is a simple dog treat recipe that would make great use of leftover scraps of meat from a roasted chicken. Be sure to read the author’s note on not including the skin because of fat content or heavily seasoned meat. We really love that the author simplifies the recipe further by skipping the cookie cutter process. Let’s be honest, the dog is going to eat them no matter the shape! Get the four ingredient recipe and instructions from Two Healthy Kitchens here.

4. Spinach, Carrot and Zucchini Dog Treats

If you’re already making a New Year’s resolution to eat more vegetables, let your dog join in on the fun! These DIY dog treats are easy, nutritious, and easy to make. Yes, your dog will devour them — vegetables and all! Get the unique dog treat recipe from Damn Delicious here.

Lazy One Moose Fair Isle FlapJack for Dogs

For pups who feel the winter chill more than most, “Moose Fair Isle” FlapJack pajamas for dogs by Lazy One.

5. Luxe Cheddar Bacon Dog Treats

Leave it to the folks at Good Housekeeping to develop a dog treat recipe that’s so over-the-top delicious that humans admit to snacking on them too. This recipe has the mouth-watering combination of bacon and cheddar along with a healthy punch of fiber and protein from rolled oats and eggs. Check out the recipe and video from Good Housekeeping here.

6. Chicken and Wild Rice Biscuits

Modeled after one of the more popular dog food flavors, this homemade chicken and wild rice dog biscuit recipe is going to be a surefire hit with your pup. Another great alternative to all the peanut butter and bacon-heavy recipes floating around on the internet. Get the recipe and instructions from Carrie’s Experimental Kitchen here.

7. Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats

This healthy treats are supposedly great for your pup. Canned pumpkin is recommended for dogs to settle stomach upsets. Apples are also good treats for dogs, loaded with fiber and vitamins A and C (just remember to remove the seeds!). Get the four ingredient recipe and step-by-step instructions from Three Little Ferns here.

8. Grain-Free Breath Freshening Dog Treats

Have you ever bought those pricey breath freshening dog treats before? It seems like the second you invest in a 10 lb. bag, suddenly your pup loses all interest. Not with this homemade version. The treats are not only easy to make, they’re also grain-free for dogs with sensitivities to wheat. Learn how to make these dog treats from Health Starts in the Kitchen here.

We hope your pup enjoys these tasty treats! If you really want to spoil your pup this holiday season, browse our collection of adorable pajamas for dogs. For more ideas for family fun this holiday season, check out The Pajama Company Blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

Best Christmas Gifts for Dog Lovers

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15 Fun Indoor Activities for Winter Break

Winter break is fast approaching. Depending on where your kids go to school, winter break could be a few days or up to two weeks! If you or your partner have made arrangements to be at home with them during this time, there’s a lot of pressure to find ways to entertain younger children. Here we have compiled a list of simple activities that will keep them busy and keep you from becoming the household cruise director.

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Holiday-ready with matching family pajamas from Munki Munki!

Simple ideas for family fun during winter break.

1. Bake for friends and family. Even if “baking” means decorating easy slice-and-bake cookies from the store, this is a fun seasonal activity that can double as a Christmas gift. Bake and decorate cookies, scones, or quick breads with the kids then wrap them up as gifts for family, friends, or neighbors.

2. Make Christmas ornaments. If you’re the Pinterest type, go ahead and find a fun tutorial. As an alternative, you can also find unfinished white porcelain ornaments at most craft stores. The kids will love painting them and hanging them on the tree!

3. Host a board game tournament. Pick a few of your favorite board games to play and host a “tournament.” Depending on the age and competitive nature of your kiddos, you could even have small prizes.

4. Color — grown ups too! Get out the crayons, pencils, and markers and just spend some time together coloring. Help out younger children with their coloring or pick up a couple adult coloring books (that’s a thing now) so you can enjoy the activity too!

5. Build-your-own pizza bar. Great for lunch or dinner, grab a pack of mini-pizza crusts and a variety of toppings. Choose a variety of sliced meats, vegetables, and different cheeses. Let the kids build their own pizza. This is a great activity for picky toddlers — they’re more likely to eat their meal if they help make it!

6. Classic Christmas movie marathon. They don’t make ‘em like they used to! Give the hi-def CG a break this season and fire up the old holiday classics: Miracle on 34th Street (1947), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), Frosty the Snowman (1969), A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), and Jack Frost (1979).

7. Take turns hosting a sleepover. If your pre-holiday to-do list is overwhelming, talk to other parents in your kids’ class and take turns hosting sleepovers over winter break. This will give you time to finish shopping, finish wrapping, get the house ready for guests, or just decompress. For winter sleepover ideas, check out our fun post on how to throw a ‘cookie swap’ sleepover!

8. Make post-holiday thank you cards. Have the kids design and create thank you cards to send to thank grandmas, grandpas, aunties, and uncles to thank them for gifts received during the holiday season. Not only is it a simple crafting activity, it’s a great way to teach them gratitude. Make the cards now and fill them out later!

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Festive pajamas aren’t just for the kids! Check out this cute new thermal set from Munki Munki.

9. Build a gingerbread house together. Not only is this a creative, fun, delicious activity — it kills quite a bit of time! Gingerbread house kits are affordable and bake-free these days. Pick up all the holiday candies and let the kids build an epic edible centerpiece for Christmas dinner that doubles as dessert!

10. Write your own bedtime story. This imaginative activity may require some help with little kids when it comes to writing. After they’ve dreamed up their own bedtime stories, have them illustrate each page and clip or staple it together into a book. After the kids put on their pajamas, they’ll be eager to read their stories before bed!

11. Build a fort in the living room. Living room, their bedrooms — anywhere. It’s surprising, but once the kids have constructed their own space, they’ll want to eat, sleep, and play there. This is a simple way to entertain them and get a moment of peace while they amuse themselves in their new digs!

12. Have a spa day at home. Stock up on foot soaks, nail polish, eye masks, and magazines and host a winter spa day with the kids at home. The best part of this activity is that you don’t need to get out of your bathrobe!

13. Host a family book club. A fun activity for the book-loving family is to read the same book together! Get your own copies or borrow from the library. For younger children, maybe this means that the whole family participates in storytime before bed. The kids will love reading together with their parents and siblings.

14. Make homemade hot cocoa together. We know, we know — you can get the packets at the grocery store. Hot chocolate is actually really easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients. There are a lot of simple recipes available online that you can follow. If you’re not a baker, this is also a simple holiday kitchen activity you can enjoy with your kids. The best part? Hot chocolate is so much more decadent when it’s homemade!

15. Family “sleepover” with matching family pajamas. If your kids’ friends are out of town for the holidays, have a family sleepover with matching PJs. Do everything you would do for the kids, but for your family. That means chips, pizza, candy, no bedtime, games, movies flashlights, and sleeping bags. Think of it as a mini-staycation before the holiday madness.

We hope you and your kids enjoy some of these ideas during your winter break. Looking for more ideas for family fun during the holidays? Check out The Pajama Company blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

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10 Gifts for Stress Management

Gifts That Promote Rest and Relaxation

‘Tis the season for holiday stress! Months of cooking, shopping, family time, and out-of-town guests take a toll on everyone. Since we’re all jonesing for a little R&R after the holiday season, gifts that promote rest and relaxation are guaranteed to be appreciated. These are our top picks for thoughtful holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

10 Thoughtful Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Women's Pajamas Bee Pattern

Queen Bee by The Cat’s Pajamas

1. Pajamas Fit for a Queen. Queen Bee pajama set by The Cat’s Pajamas is perfect for the queen in your life. This beautiful set is made from Pima cotton, which is premium long staple cotton. When it comes to cotton, the longer the fiber (staple), the softer the fabric. The set comes in three colors and would make a thoughtful, relaxing gift along with some loose leaf tea and a good book.

Father Son Matching Pajamas

Furry Monsters by Munki Munich

2. Something for Superdad. For your “biggest kid,” the man who makes them laugh the hardest, a pajama set that will bring a smile. This jogger set by Munki Munki comes in different colors and patterns and, best of all, comes with a pint-sized version so he can match his favorite little buddy. Throw in a luxe shave kit to give him a little “me” time.

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“Junk Food” Hooded Fleece Union Suit by Boxercraft

3. A Little Fun for the College Kid. Is your college-aged kiddo wiped out from Finals and the holiday crunch at their internship? Let them kick back on the couch (in between shoveling the driveway) with this fun union suit by Boxercraft. Pizza and fries are totally optional.

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Dinosaur Union Suit by Big Feet

4. For the Future Paleontologist. Do you have a little one in your house with a bad case of dino fever? Preschool is hard. Let their imaginations run wild before bedtime with this super playful dinosaur onesie by Big Feet.

Kashwere unisex plush bathrobe

Plush Bathrobes by Kashwere

5. A Spa Day for the Workaholic. We all have a friend or family member who gets caught up in “all work and no play.” Encourage them to take a break with one of our customer favorites, the Kashwere robe — once featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things. It is an ultra plush robe that can be worn year-round. Pair with a salt scrub and a face mask to encourage rest and relaxation.

Boxercraft Unisex Plaid Pajama Pants

Unisex Plaid Pajama Pants by Boxercraft

6. Relaxation for Everyone. Let’s be honest: the best part of the day is when you have finished your obligations at work and home and can “slip into something more comfortable” — for us, that something is pajama pants. Everyone appreciates a cozy pair of classic flannel pajama pants. Unisex plaid pajama pants from Boxercraft offer the pattern in every color combination. Give with a mug and hot chocolate to promote quality time with the couch.

Fuzzy Friends 'Duck' Slippers by Aroma Home

Fuzzy Duck Slippers by Aroma Home

7. For the Early Riser. Some of us are morning people and some of us have to wake up in the wee hours to start our day, for a workout, an early shift, or a long commute. During the winter months, those early risers are stepping out of bed and into a cold, dark house. Brighten up their mornings with a pound of quality coffee and these cheerful ‘Fuzzy Friends’ slippers by Aroma Home, with a menagerie of playful characters.

Cowboy Pajama Pants

Cowboy Cotton Pajama Pants by The Cat’s Pajamas

8. Even the Wild Ones Need a Nap. This is a gift for our friends who burn the midnight oil, who live by “work hard, play hard,” who are the first on the dancefloor when they’re not skydiving or mountain climbing. These cowboy pajama pants from The Cat’s Pajamas are perfect for the wild ones with restless hearts. Pair with a nice set of lowball glasses or their favorite spirit.

Party Pups Pajama Set

Party Pups Pajama Set by The Cat’s Pajamas

9. For the Animal Lover. Whether they’re dog people or cat people, The Cat’s Pajamas has a pajama set for the “fur mom” in your life. Caring for pets is a lot of responsibility. Acknowledge their love and their dedication with a gift they can use while snuggling their best friends on the couch. Throw in their furry friend’s favorite treat for a thoughtful, heartwarming gift they’ll love.

matching family pajamas

Don’t Moose With Me by Lazy One

10. Kick Back with the Whole Family. These adorable ‘Don’t Moose with Me’ Flapjack Pajamas come in sizes for the whole family. Give the give of matching family pajamas. They’re perfect for fun family holiday photos and ideal for lazy movie marathons into the New Year.

We hope you enjoyed this list! For more gift ideas, family recipes, and inspiration for family fun this holiday season, visit The Pajama Company blog at thepajamacompany.com/blog.

How to Host a Winter Pajama Party

How to Host a ‘Winter Wonderland’ Pajama Party

After we unplug the Christmas tree and pack away our holiday decorations, many people feel a touch of ‘post-holiday blues’ because there is nothing left to celebrate and a long winter ahead. Don’t feel sad! There is a lot to celebrate after the holidays!

For one, we aren’t faced with the daunting task of entertaining in-laws and houseguests for another weekend packed with holiday traditions and formalities. Those of us who travel aren’t faced with another weekend in an airport, dragging luggage and children from coast to coast to visit family. The magical, sparkly, snowy winter weather is still going strong, which means we have a lot to celebrate — right at home.

Without all the holiday obligations, we can gleefully spend the rest of the winter season in hibernation. Why not celebrate what’s left of the season with a laidback ‘Winter Wonderland’ pajama party? Since the kids will be on winter break until after the New Year, you can keep the party to just your family or invite another family to join in. It’s also a great excuse to use those matching family pajamas one more time…

Winter Pajama Party Decor Ideas

Delaying taking down the Christmas decorations? Use your decorative string lights to create a wintery ambiance.

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