Something magical happens when you pull the whole family into the EXACT SAME ROOM all evening... push the coffee table off to the side... set up indoor tents, sleeping bags, and sofa cushions... munch on snacks and hot cocoa... and play games or watch Christmas movies all night.
Here are some quick tips for making your Holiday Slumber Party a successful, unforgettable event!
1. Create invitations.
You can (1) hand-deliver homemade invites to each family member, or (2) personally gather everyone around and read the invite aloud, as though it’s a royal decree (think of the messenger in Cinderella standing in the town square and inviting all the fair maidens to the ball, or simply (3) print out the invitation and stick it to the fridge. Either way, there's something about a proper invitation that builds anticipation and excitement.
2. Compel everyone to wear PJ's.
No t-shirt and sweats or "day clothes" this time. Pajama parties require PAJAMAS. The cuter, the better. If you have adorable footed PJs or some with reindeer ears, don’t hold back! Also, have Santa hats on hand for anyone who cares to wear one.
3. Create an ultra-comfy, inviting setting in your living room or gamroom.
TIP: If you have a child who’s a fort-building fanatic, recruit his help to get things set up for the night.
Before the party officially begins, there should be piles of blankets, pillows, and cushions strategically placed in the room. Dim the main lights, turn on the Christmas tree lights (or string some fairy lights across the ceiling), and have Alexa play Christmas tunes in the background.
3. Keep it simple.
Being cozy and comfy in your PJs is the most satisfying part of a pajama party. You won’t need a die-hard schedule or dozens of activities at the ready. The idea is to lounge area and enjoy each other's company. An impromptu dance party or sing-along, a friendly pillow fight, and a read-aloud story will be the cherry on top. (A holiday movie on the screen is a must.)
4. Serve an easy-going meal at the beginning of the party.
Serve dinner early, and make it easy. Pizza good for everyone? Or chili will all the fixins might be just the thing (don't forget the corn chips!). For the rest of the party, stick to light snacks like popcorn, gingerbread cookies, fruit kebobs, and mini marshmallows.
5. Set up a Hot Cocoa Bar
Nothing fancy required. Put out marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, candy canes for stirring, and maybe a dash of cinnamon or peppermint. Bonus points for using Christmas mugs.
6. Choose a “Feature Film” + Open Viewing
Pick one main holiday movie everyone commits to watching together (classic or family favorite), then leave the TV on afterward for background movies while kids drift, chat, or doze. It keeps things relaxed and pressure-free.
7. Delight everyone with a home-cooked breakfast in the morning.
Crawl out early from your comfy spot while the rest of the gang is asleep, and fry up some bacon and eggs, throw a pan of biscuits into the oven, and get a pot of creamy grits going.
Optional Cozy Touches:
- Spray a light “Christmas scent” in the room (pine, cinnamon, vanilla)
- Give everyone a small, cozy gift (socks, candy cane, tiny ornament)
- End the night with a family prayer, blessing, or short reading before lights out
BONUS TIP: Cell phones away! Get off your phones, and encourage your family members to put away their devices too. Your holiday pajama party is all about having fun and connecting together. So be 100% “present.” Trust me, the kids will notice and appreciate it.
