To think the biggest difference between family Christmas' is whether you dress up or not

I can't stomach nightwear outside of the bedroom. The DC can wear their PJs and dressing gowns to open their stockings, but then will put a nice jumper/dress or leggings on (or an elf outfit, as DD2 is planning this year) for the rest of the day.

For those being snotty about not visiting relatives, I have to listen to my DM criticise me every other day of the year. I'd rather not listen to it on Christmas Day thanks. Not everybody has large, close families.

Some people get the chance to dress up throughout the year with various events, parties, work stuff, so for those people, not dressing up can be something which is nice. Also not everyone gets joy from dressing up or from Xmas. Some people would think it’s quite sad that the only joy in life is dressing up for Xmas.

It always amazes me that people have got to adulthood without realising that people are different and get joy from different things. If it makes you happy to dress up, that’s fine, but to question where other people’s joy is in life if they don’t do the same as you is just silly.

Each to their own. We like to dress nice and festive for christmas. I will be wearing my glitter jumper dress.

Surely the distinction being made in the OP is between ‘slobbing at home’ and ‘going out to someone else’s house’?

I get that you’re acknowledging that a lot of people dress nicely at home, with or without guests. But if you are a guest - it’s a no-brainier surely?

Aw if you don’t dress up for Christmas Day where’s the joy in life?! As I get older (56) Christmas gets a bit harder as you lose loved ones so dressing up helps me to cheer up. Also, I don’t get that many chances to dress up these days so I like to make it special.

We dress up and kids have brand new outfits for Christmas day and boxing day.

I’ll let you know what happens if we ever get an invite on Christmas Day, in the 20+ years I’ve lived away from home we have always hosted and never been invited. So yes I’ll wear what in my own home to facilitate everyone and anyone who’s invited here is equally welcome to wear leggings if they so wish!

If we have company or at my sisters then we make an effort - not out out effort, but something with a bit of flair and some make up. Just us, well we get dressed but not too much thought. My son will walk the dog and is as likely to throw a jacket on over flannel pj bottoms as anything else. But the table is set beautifully!

Pyjamas can be warm, it depends what you buy. Our house is always warm anyway.

@Bellaboo01 I wouldn’t wear PJs to someone else’s house for Xmas- only if it was just me, DH and the kids at home, which it is this year for the first time ever! So I will probably wear loungewear or PJs. And if so, I will put a different pair on to go to bed.

Comfy jeans and Christmas jumpers here, apart from the 6-year-old who will be in a velvet dress and (fake) fur coat with sparkly shoes 🤣

I would be a bit surprised if guests came in their PJs but my sister will bring "comfies" to change into after lunch.

I've never known it to be a thing. That it would be appropriate to wear PJ's round someone's house for dinner, let alone Christmas Dinner which normally is a bit more fancy than a Sunday roast (for example).

After cooking dinner, eating dinner and going on a walk - i would feel gross then going to bed in those same clothes!

the same ^ here
I call it normal and reasonable approach.
We had guests a few times at Christmas and it’s always smart casual, no heels but we are no heels group so it’s expected.

I find jeans uncomfortable- I don’t like stiff fabrics. I wear leggings all the time. Maybe my undercarriage is too full or something, but yeah, my vulva doesn’t like being encased in jeans 😂 I also have big quads so if the waistband fits, they’re too tight on the legs. If they fit my legs, the waist is too big.

I don't know anybody who would wear pyjamas on Christmas day. I can't believe people will sit around the table eating turkey on pyjamas!

The first time I went to my ILs for Christmas, I got told off for wearing jeans 😂 (A lighthearted ‘jokey’ telling off, but still…) I had even put a sparkly top on- I thought I was making an effort- but not compared to them!

They’ve actually massively toned it down over the years and dress much more casual now- they now wear Christmas jumpers on the day, which is very casual by their standards. I’d happily stay in PJs for the duration (not the same pair for several days obvs).

You sound lovely , can I be one of your friends?

I think if you buy jeans the right size, they are just as comfy as any other trousers. Maybe people buy them 3 sizes too small? I never understand why they are so "uncomfortable".

Don't get me started on bras - I'd live in sports bras if they didn't look often unflattering under clothes 😂. How can anyone find bras the right size not comfy?

I can't even remember where I read (or was it in the Crown?) that Kate Middleton was very smug about her entire family in pjs on Christmas morning when William looked a bit bemused the first time. It might even be true, who knows (or really, who cares 😂. It will be Meghan's fault either way 😂.)

You do what you want in your own house but surely you dress up when you are invited somewhere? You don't turn up in pjs or leggins for diner, so why Christmas would be different?

I don't even stay in my pjs when I am ill unless I am really passed out, so I dont really understand the appeal but each to their own.

No pjs here but I never wear any anyway. As a child we always got smartly dressed for Christmas, now as long as people are dressed I don’t care what they wear.

Not getting dressed in proper clothes makes me feel lazy and unmotivated. I don't feel like the day has started until I am dressed.

I don't own any pyjamas, but own lots of comfortable clothes. My Ninepine joggers look smart but are extremely comfortable, especially when overindulging. I will either wear a nice top or a Christmas jumper.

When we are guests (or have guests) we dress up.

Just the immediate family then whatever we want. I'm sure we all had Xmas 2020 in our pj's.

I think as long as you don't wear pyjamas when hosting or go visiting in your sleeping attire you'll be fine!

Well those are extreme examples aren’t they what @5128gap writes is my experience. I will put on trousers and a Christmas jumper probably.