Snuggle up to idea of pajama presents

At Christmastime, I think back to my childhood memories and one of many family traditions I remember fondly is new holiday pajamas every Christmas Eve - just in time for dreaming of sugarplums and Christmas morning videos. Now we continue the pajama game into the next generation and every year it becomes more and more fun to pick out gifts for the whole family.

My 16-year-old daughter is really into Victoria's Secret this year; she loves all the flannel pajamas in bright, whimsical prints that come with matching slippers. The plush wedge slip-ons are a real plus - because they come free when you purchase the pajamas. (www.VictoriasSecret.com) Mrs. Claus thinks this is a great deal - and also thinks it's way too cold to wear those boudoir satin baby doll gowns.
So while there are lots of sexy PJs out there for gift-giving by husbands and boyfriends who just can't help themselves, there are also lots of ways to get cozy and glamorous. My pick is a great Web site, www.figleaves.com. This site, touting itself as "the world's largest online branded intimates retailer," wraps up the latest styles of 200 sleepwear brands from all over the world with labels like Australian designers Julianne and Papinelle, French brand Princesse Tam-Tam and famed wedding-gown designer Vera Wang. My choice for Christmas Eve is a comfy velour robe and gown from Betsey Johnson. I've got the Mary Green Cat Eyes sleep mask with rhinestones on my wish list, too! Figleaves even has a buying guide for men that tells how to buy lingerie for women. Guys, take note!

And what's one of the hottest pajama prints going this holiday season? Penguins, of course! Give the whole family the gift of happy feet and happy smiles with brushed cotton jersey pajama sets featuring scarf-wearing penguins from www.pajamagram.com, another Web site that specializes in sleepwear for the whole family with labels from Natori, Nick & Nora, BedHead and more. All women's pajamas are delivered free in a keepsake organza hatbox with lavender sachet and a Do Not Disturb sign; men's pjs are also delivered free in a handsome travel case. Kids' pajamas come in a PJ puppy house with a cuddly PJ puppy. Infant and toddler sizes are also available.

Another favorite retailer who is dedicated to the "pursuit of comfort" is J.Crew. It's "untucked" collection features great items for gift-giving, including "vintage chalet fleece" crew necks, hoodies and lounge pants. The combed cotton henley tees and flannel cropped pants have been known to show up on college campuses layered up with cardigan sweaters, rugby-striped scarves and shearling trapper hats. For even more holiday warmth, try the sherpa-lined fleece hoodie worn over a flannel tartan shirt. Argyle knee socks are another winning gift for the college crowd. But for anyone who wants to slip into something warm this holiday season - the wooly sweater slipper socks are a must. ( www.jcrew.com)

Luxury is one of the best holiday gifts, and Lands' End indulges its customers with silk and cashmere sleepwear. ( www.landsend.com) Now how's that for tempting Santa? Or go for extra warmth with his and her long johns and cotton jammies in Christmas red embroidered with his and her names from www.redenvelope.com.

Take a stroll through your favorite store and take the "touch test" in the sleepwear department. The robes just get plusher and lusher in those buttery soft fleece fabrics by the moment.

My dad is receiving a "three-in-one" gift set of pajamas from Target - a great triple treat of flannel pajama pants, boxers and a matching T-shirt - all for just $19.99 - and just in time to spend the holidays in my "cold, old house."

Sleepwear sets are one of the best bargains around this year, and when it comes to gift-giving, you can always roll up a funky pair of pajama bottoms and slip into someone's stocking - and a boxed gift of lingerie is always welcome under the tree (or the mistletoe).

And what about all those "adorable" holiday pictures? With comfort and joy like this, it really makes you want to just stay in your pajamas all day long.