Somehow, I always end up in my pajamas on Christmas Eve before the night is over; even before we’ve opened presents. It might sound silly, but it's true. What started out as a desire to trade in my tights and laced dress for comfy-cozy “footie” pajamas, has evolved into a family tradition.
Somewhere between the feasting and opening of gifts, my cousins and I all end up in our pajamas. When we were little our parents would bring our snugly festive pajamas and we changed into them after dinner and before opening presents. I remember being filled with excitement and happiness, nearly jumping out of my clothes and into my pajamas as my mom tried to hold me still and as I bounced around the room. My cousin Melanie and I always had matching pajamas, and matching presents because we’re the same age. We would get changed and race downstairs and hand deliver presents to the person with the corresponding name on each package, making sure to reserve a large space on the floor for ourselves, and more importantly, our presents. After zipping through the family room, Melanie and I would finally settle on the worn brown carpet next to my sisters and Sean, and tear into the presents. It was of course known that Mel and I would open the same presents at the same time, after we figured out we always got the same things from Grandma and Grandpa, but usually in different colors.
Somewhere between the feasting and opening of gifts, my cousins and I all end up in our pajamas. When we were little our parents would bring our snugly festive pajamas and we changed into them after dinner and before opening presents. I remember being filled with excitement and happiness, nearly jumping out of my clothes and into my pajamas as my mom tried to hold me still and as I bounced around the room. My cousin Melanie and I always had matching pajamas, and matching presents because we’re the same age. We would get changed and race downstairs and hand deliver presents to the person with the corresponding name on each package, making sure to reserve a large space on the floor for ourselves, and more importantly, our presents. After zipping through the family room, Melanie and I would finally settle on the worn brown carpet next to my sisters and Sean, and tear into the presents. It was of course known that Mel and I would open the same presents at the same time, after we figured out we always got the same things from Grandma and Grandpa, but usually in different colors.
This year will be my 22nd Christmas Eve spent with my dad’s family, and though we’ll be at my dad’s house instead of my Grandma’s, since she passed away, and much will change, a few things still remain the same. As I’ve grown up, the excitement and anticipation of opening presents has lost its thrill somewhat, and I’m more excited to spend the precious time with my family, and celebrating the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. We no longer sneak up to the spare bedroom to investigate the wrapped treasures secretly tucked away. We no longer have a “kid table” since we can all fit at the dining room table in my dad’s home. I do have to say, I miss the “kid table” and all of our secret jokes, but with a glance across the table at my cousins and sisters, I know they are not forgotten.
There is one thing that has not changed through all the years, and that is the pajama tradition. Although I’m 22, going on 23, and my cousins are even older, we can’t resist the comfort of opening presents in Christmas pajamas. We still rush upstairs after dinner is cleared and dessert is on its way, changing into our festive jammies, and race back downstairs to enjoy the rest of the night without lace and frill. Our parents think we are so silly, and tease us and laugh as we come parading downstairs in our cute, yet adult-like Christmas pajamas. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces this year when we stroll down in the same “footie” pajamas we used to wear as little kids! Humor and comfort all in one! I’m convinced this will be a tradition in our family until we’re the ones dressing our kids in little footie Christmas pajamas!
I can't wait to snuggle up in one of these:
pretty in pink....
how do you all feel about festive footie pajamas?
what are your silly family traditions?
This sounds so fun. It puts a smile on my face thinking about fun traditions like these. While I don't have any footie pajamas, I do have a set of red fleece pajamas with snowflakes on them that I wear EVERY christmas eve. We open our presents Christmas morning, and I always open my presents in my pajamas.
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