Image: AI-Generated
The scent of chicken and jollof rice, the sound of classic holiday tunes, and the soft glow of the tree lights set the Christmas mood. While Black families hold tight to their beloved festive traditions, one modern trend has joined the mix: matching Christmas pajamas.
Once upon a time, matching pajamas during the festive season were mostly for fun, and not a lot of people took part in it. Fast-forward to today, it has become a trend that everybody wants to be a part of. Scroll through Instagram and other social media platforms this season, and you will be greeted by photos of couples cozying up in matching holiday pajamas.
From celebrity power couples to your favorite influencers, and even your own circle of friends, matching holiday PJs has become a cute seasonal flex, leaving the single folks asking just one question in the comment section: ‘God, when?’
Some Black families have even incorporated their own spin into the trend, sometimes adding a touch of culture. Some couples opt for pajamas with Afrocentric prints or kente cloth patterns, while still embracing the Christmas spirit.
What is it about matching Christmas pajamas that couples just can’t seem to say no to them lately?
The Social Media Factor
Let us be honest, we all love to take good photos for the ‘gram.’ The Christmas tree is lit, the melanin is popping, and the coordinated fits are giving.
Wearing matching fits makes holiday photos pop, and for couples who do not usually share their lives online, matching Christmas pajamas becomes that once-a-year excuse to join the holiday spotlight with picture-perfect content. It also permits couples to be silly, playful, and unapologetically cute together.
Creating memories
Not only do matching PJs look good for the gram, but they also turn simple mornings into cherished memories. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to document and share your joy during the festive season. Years from now, as you scroll through your gallery, those adorable snapshots will remind you how the smallest moments built the happiest memories.
Creating New Traditions
It is a fun way to create little traditions. For many Black families, including those in the diaspora, holidays are about honoring traditions while creating new ones that reflect who we are today.
Couples are claiming matching Christmas PJs as their signature tradition, incorporating yearly photo albums and creating rituals that linger long after the season ends.
Every couple has that one person who says, “I’m not wearing matching pyjamas.” That one person was Mr Akin.
“At first, my husband wasn’t keen on the idea of matching Christmas pajamas. But when he saw the photos I took with our daughter, he couldn’t resist. The next year, he insisted on being part of it, and every year since then, it has become a family tradition,” Mrs Akin recalled.
It’s about bonding
When a couple wears matching Christmas PJs, it is more than just festive fashion or following a trend. It is a declaration of unity, giving off a powerful message: “This is my person, and I want the world to know it.”
As one Twitter user put it: “Once you start wearing matching pajamas for Christmas, you can’t break up again.”
Photo: Etsy
How Black Couples Can Accessorize and Make Their Matching Christmas PJs Photo Unique
With the right accessories, Black couples can take their matching holiday PJs from basic co-ord to a culturally rich, photo-ready statement. Here’s how:
Headwraps and Bonnets: An African print silk bonnet, satin headwraps in festive colors, or a durag (for him) can add a regal touch to your PJ look.
Statement Slippers: Think Black Santa socks, faux-fur slides, plush slippers in African print, or custom monogrammed ones from Etsy sellers.
Robes and Blankets: You can go for silky robes layered over PJs or Kimono-style robes with African or Caribbean prints for luxe vibes. Also, you can use an authentic, brightly coloured Kente or Ankara print throw blanket as a prop.
Holiday Props: African artifacts or art in the background, cultural instruments like drums and shekere, and a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments representing your heritage can add a unique touch to your photos.
Photo: Instagram / christmaswithoj
Black-owned Businesses Delivering the Best Matching PJ Sets
There are several Black-owned businesses offering beautiful, comfortable, couple-friendly, and culturally resonant holiday PJs.
PJs For The Culture: This brand infuses Black culture into holiday traditions. They are famous for their “Black Santa” and “Cleopatra Claus” collections. If you want unique holiday-themed pajamas that celebrate Black identity, this is your stop. You can find PJs for as low as $30.
Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia: This Black-owned, woman-owned small business sells a wide variety of personalized Christmas pajamas, featuring options like classic cotton sets, luxurious satin styles, Black Santa designs, and coordinating family sets, all customizable and sure to bring the magic of the season home. Prices range from $34 to $50.
Wyntry Collection: This brand offers Black Santa-themed pajamas, gift wrap, and apparel with a focus on representation. The PJ sets are both stylish and meaningful. You can budget between $30 and $35 for a set.
Greentop Gifts: This is your go-to for multicultural holiday decor, apparel, and gifts. They are known for their Black Santa character and Clarence Claus, which provide representation for families of color. They have everything from Black Santa gift wrap and coffee mugs to super cute matching pajamas. If you need them quickly, they are also available on Amazon. You can get a PJ set for $28.
D’Iyanu: If you want to match with your partner in style that honors your roots, this black-owned, ready-to-wear, bold print clothing line offers quality, trendy African-inspired fashion at affordable prices. Their sets are often elevated enough to wear for Christmas breakfast with the in-laws.
