Holiday clothing is about the occasions: office parties, family photos and Christmas morning. For parties, an ugly Christmas sweater is the classic choice. For photos and Christmas morning, matching family pajamas are the most popular tradition.
Playing Santa at a party or school event? See our Santa hats and costumes guide. And for small festive gifts and stocking fillers, Christmas socks are always a hit.
Comfort matters as much as the look, because holiday outfits are worn for hours at parties, dinners and long Christmas mornings. Check the fabric before you buy: cotton and cotton blends breathe well, fleece and flannel are warmest, and acrylic knits can feel itchy against bare skin. Read the care label too, since many novelty pieces need cold water or hand washing, and light-up items need their battery packs removed first. If you are buying for the whole family, order every size at the same time so prints and colors match in photos.
Order clothing early so you have time to exchange sizes. Check each brand's size chart instead of assuming your usual size, since fits vary widely, especially for novelty items. Sizes and popular designs often sell out before mid-December.