Where I live in the Pacific Northwest with my spouse, Austin, and two children, Alma and Otis, the winters are gray and rainy, with short days and long nights. Even so, we bundle up for as much outdoor playtime as possible. We also try to make time together inside feel special and a bit silly, which is why we currently have a tiny trampoline in our living room. At bedtime, wearing family pajamas from Primary is a great way to embrace the season by slowing down and getting cozy (plus, they’re offering Cup of Jo readers a huge sale)…
Our kids are young, so we’re still making up our family traditions as we go, but wearing holiday pajamas is something I’m carrying forward from my own childhood. My daughter Alma loves when we match. She’s very into daily rituals, like making popcorn for movie night or lighting the dinner candles on our kitchen table. Maybe it’s funny to eat mac and cheese by candlelight, but it’s actually a real mood boost. When we blow out the candles before bathtime, it makes a regular old weeknight feel festive.
Primary offers kids, baby and grown-up PJs in everyone’s favorite color and timeless stripes, patterns, and prints. While I was picking our pajamas, I also ordered Alma this set, because she loves rainbows. I chose gumball stripes for nine-month-old Otis, because pink is definitely his color.
We’re in the stage of life where we find crayon scribbles all over our house. And though I regularly remind our kids to color on paper, I try not to worry too much about their creative expressions. Our kitchen table and chairs are also always flecked with paint and crumbs from breakfast. I feel like Primary pajamas fit that easy, forgiving, lived-in vibe.
Primary is a brand I trust for quality, timeless basics that will stand up to wear from multiple children. I feel good knowing that I can save Alma’s pajamas for Otis to wear in the years to come, and then pass them down to a younger friend or cousin.
For bedtime, we’ve figured out a few tricks, but still, it’s been a while since we’ve had an uninterrupted night’s sleep. Austin and I typically reach for old T-shirts, but we’re into this matching moment. Primary makes pajamas that are super soft for all ages, and I plan to wear my navy PJ pants year round. We might as well be dressed as comfortably as our children.
As a family, we’re always looking to make our choices more sustainable, including during the holidays, which is why I appreciate Primary’s sustainability initiative and the co-founders’ commitment to making sure our kids inherit a healthy planet.
One way I’m trying to nurture my children’s relationship to the natural world is by helping them see the gifts of each season. Even though I was worried about long, dark winters when I first moved to the PNW, I’ve found it can be a time for rest and relaxation. I’m looking forward to hanging out with my kids in our matching pajamas all winter long.
Bonus for all readers: Family matching holiday PJs will be 30% off for everyone, with new customers getting an additional 20% off their order (and free shipping) with code COJ. These look extra cozy. Here are a few more ways to mix and match…
Which matching set would you choose? What are your family rituals?
Kaitlyn Teer is a writer and creative writing teacher based in western Washington. For Cup of Jo, she works to bring you the weekly newsletter.
(Photos by Scarlett Crews for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Primary, a company we’ve worn and loved for years. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Cup of Jo running.)
