[Oriental lily]

Every year since I can remember Christmas day meant a new frock or outfit and us all looking are best for family photos ect.

I was really surprised the first Christmas at dhs family when they were all just in t shirts and jeans. Sort of clothes that you would go shopping in. Everyday clothes.

Even now after 14 years together I have to organize some nice clothes DH or he is likely to throw on any old clothes that he grabs on Christmas morning.

Now my family is Irish.
Dhs family are as Australian and ocker as they come.


So is it cultural?

In every other way dhs family is very traditional in how they celebrate Christmas. Turkey, ham, trifle and plum pudding with custard.

So do you pick out a nice outfit for the day for you and the kids?

[lifehacker]

Not really, the kids and dh usually wear boardies and a teeshirt. If they get new ones as presents they wear those. I like to be comfy as it's usually hot and I am running around doing food etc.

[fancie]

When I was single, my mum (a dressmaker) would make me a new dress each year for my xmas eve birthday present (I picked the fabric and dress pattern) and I would wear that on Christmas Day. All my family would either wear something bought for the occasion or wear something special they had in their wardrobe.

DH's family didn't dress up at all. DH however has always been a snazzy dresser and always looks well dressed.

These days, DH, DD and I always dress up a bit (smart casual), may not be new but never everyday clothes.

[Swahili]

I always wear something lovely for Christmas day (not always new) and I make sure both of the kiddies have a new outfit to wear for the day.

[Oriental lily]

What a lovely tradition fancie .

[Old Grey Mare]

My mother buys all the males (Dad, DH, brother and DS) a new Christmas shirt that they wear on Christmas morning. Girls all wear something nice-ish and we all do hair, make-up etc just to be a bit special.

[Mercurial]

I always like to have a new outfit for christmas day. Not necessarily very dressy but a nice dress or nice top. I have bought the most gorgeous dress for DD to wear this Christmas. I can't wait as it's just perfect for Christmas. We are going out for lunch this year so more dressy than usual.

With Brissie christmas days often very hot you can't get too dressed up, but a dress or light top and skirt, tailored shorts still looks lovely.

Then my kids get their togs on and play slip'n'slide (as do my adult brothers).

[Canberra chick]

I like to wear something nice. Not necessarily a full on smart dress, but a least a nice top and skirt, pretty summer frock. And the kids open presses in their pyjamas and put on something nice from the clothes they get (they always get something to wear at Christmas).

[adl]

As kids my family always dressed nicely for Christmas Day, we did go to Church first so I suppose "Sunday best" and then off to lunch or home to host lunch etc

DH's family go to a lot of trouble with lunch etc but don't dress either? I find strange as they do all the decorations and go the whole bit?

We still wear nice as we take DS to church and when ILs no longer with us it will be our turn at home so we will keep our little tradition going

[prettypenny]

I've always made a bit more of effort for Christmas day. As a kid it was usually the clothes I got as a present.
Nowadays its just a good excuse to buy myself something new to wear.