Christmas jammies are definitely a thing.
They might be seen as a little silly, maybe even a little odd, but they’ve become a heartwarming holiday ritual for families across the country. Matching PJs offer a sense of togetherness, a moment of calm within the hustle and bustle of the season, and a playful way to announce that you’re all part of the same crew.
Whether your family consists of two people or a full house with siblings, cousins, grandparents, and even pets, matching pajamas create an instant feeling of belonging. They also make for an extra-sweet photo opp that captures the magic of the holidays.
At the bottom of the article, you’ll find suggestions for retailers that offer matching family pajamas.
When did this tradition start?
While matching holiday pajamas may feel like a modern trend, they’ve actually been around for decades. The origins trace back to the “mommy-and-me” fashions popular in the 1930s and ’40s, when mothers and children dressed in coordinated outfits for catalogs and advertisements.
It wasn’t until the late 1950s that dads began joining in. According to fashion historian Debbie Sessions, the earliest examples of matching Christmas pajamas for the entire family date to 1957, when department store catalogs showcased festive sleepwear featuring stripes, checks, and classic holiday motifs. Slowly, the tradition caught on.
Who popularized matching family pajamas?
Social media certainly cemented the tradition, but one YouTube family helped launch it into viral territory.
In 2013, the Holderness family from North Carolina posted a musical “year in review” video set to Will Smith’s “Welcome to Miami.” Wearing red-and-green striped pajamas embroidered with their names, they sang, “Wearing my Christmas jammies.”
Ten years later, their video has racked up more than 18 million views, and the hashtag #ChristmasJammies now has over 200,000 posts on Instagram. From that moment on, matching holiday PJs officially became part of the pop-culture holiday lexicon.
How does this tradition go?
The beauty of holiday pajamas is that they’re pajamas: simple, comfortable, and made for downtime. There are no rules. You can make the tradition fit your family, your schedule, and your style.
When should you wear Christmas pajamas?
The timing is up to you, but people tend to fall into a few camps:
Team As-Early-As-Possible:
If your little one will only fit in their seasonal PJs for one year, you might hand them out right after Thanksgiving or on December 1st. More wear = more joy.
Team Christmas Eve Reveal:
If you’re all about the photo moment, saving the pajamas for Christmas Eve ensures everyone looks crisp and festive for Christmas morning pictures.
This approach also makes Christmas jammies feel like a gift. For kids, pair their new pajamas with a holiday book to help wind them down as they wait for Santa.
No matter which you choose, the tradition is wonderfully low-maintenance. Just slip them on and roll out of bed ready for the festivities.
Are matching holiday PJs just for those who celebrate Christmas?
Not at all! You can now find matching family pajamas for Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali, and other cultural traditions.
Non-religious families can also join in with winter-themed pajamas featuring snowflakes, woodland animals, gnomes, or playful prints that work all season long.
Do we have to match?
Matching from head to toe is fun, especially for those annual holiday cards, but it’s not required.
You can coordinate by sticking to a shared color palette like reds, greens, and whites. Flannel plaids are another timeless option, creating a cohesive look while letting each family member choose their preferred style.
Where can I buy matching family pajamas?
Burt’s Bee’s Gingerbread Bake Collection $10.17+
Burt’s Bees brings festive charm to your holiday traditions with their Gingerbread Bake print, featuring hand-painted watercolor designs on the softest, GOTS-certified organic cotton. Breathable, gentle on sensitive skin, and available in sizes for the whole family (yes, even pets!), these award-winning pajamas blend cozy comfort with timeless holiday cheer. The perfect way to feel connected, snap that picture-perfect moment, and celebrate the season in matching style.
Draper James Holiday Trees $58+
Made for sweet dreams and holiday giggles, the Draper James Holiday Trees collection brings classic Southern charm to your family’s festive traditions. These snug-fit kids’ pajamas keep little ones cozy, cheerful, and picture-ready for every magical moment, while matching styles for moms and dads make coordinating effortless. Soft, festive, and designed for memory-making all season long.
Hannah Andersson: Warner Bros Discovery The Polar Express Matching Family Pajamas $29.50+
All aboard! Celebrate over 20 years of “The Polar Express” in cozy, mix-and-match family pajamas designed for magical movie nights and snuggly sleep all season long. With photo-ready prints and sizes for every family member, this festive collection makes it easy to stay comfy, coordinated, and full of holiday cheer.
Holy Pals Away in a Manger PJ Set $32+
Celebrate the true story of Christmas with Holy Pals’ Away in a Manger pajama set, featuring a beautifully illustrated Nativity inspired by Luke 2. Made from 100% breathable cotton, these snug-fit PJs keep little ones cozy, comfortable, and surrounded by the meaning of the season. Perfect for bedtime stories, prayers, and joyful Christmas memories.
Little Sleepies Nutcracker Ballet Two-Piece Pajama Set $38+
Dance into the holiday season with Little Sleepies’ Nutcracker Ballet PJs! Made from soft Lunaluxe Bamboo, these long-sleeve, matching pants keep kids cozy and comfy, with extra length that fits up to 3x longer. Featuring a dreamy pink backdrop and Nutcracker dancers, they’re perfect for festive nights, and sibling matching with the Nutcracker March print.
PatPat: Harry Potter Christmas Family Matching Hogwarts Print $17.59+
Bring the magic home this holiday season with PatPat’s coordinated Harry Potter family pajamas! Classic navy-and-red raglan tops showcase the Hogwarts crest framed by winter greenery, paired with allover “wizarding world” print bottoms.
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