Getting Your Kids Dressed-Up for the Holidays

Tree-trimming parties, Hanukkah celebrations and Thanksgiving dinner, you'll want your kids to look great at all these important events. Here are some simple ideas to help you dress your kids for the holidays. It's important to put some thought into your children's holiday outfits, since you know there will likely be a camera or digital recorder nearby. Pictures last a lifetime, so make sure your kids look smashing this holiday season.

Before you start grumbling about the task at hand, remember with a little planning and some careful shopping, dressing your kids for the holidays can be fun. From monogrammed turtlenecks to shiny Mary Janes, why not make this the cutest holiday ever!

Infants
If your child is less than 6 months old, trying to wrestle them into a three-piece suit or party dress is a futile exercise. The easiest way to dress an infant for the holidays is in a simple one-piece outfit. Also known as "onsies" these all-in-one outfits are:

•Warm and look adorable

•Easy to work with when it comes time to change a diaper

•Comfortable for the baby

Some popular brands include: At Home, Carter's, Minibasics and LeTop. Large retailers may mix these items in with the holiday clothes or with sleepwear.

Kids
When it comes to getting older kids ready for the holidays, it pays to shop around and be prepared. Consider these tips before buying:

•Don't buy kid's holiday clothes with intentions for them to last two seasons. Buy the current size for your child otherwise he or she will look sloppy the first year and uncomfortable in the second year.

•It's ok to splurge on a dress coat or a spiffy blazer.

•Dress shoes are generally a good place to look for bargains. Kids generally hate their dress shoes, so you'll only bribe them into wearing these items for a few precious hours.

•Consider swapping well-preserved holiday clothes with family and friends.

•Shop at a resale store and remember to clean and store your own kid's items and bring them in for store credit!

Girls Holiday Clothing
For little girls, the perennial favorite outfit is the holiday dress worn with tights and black patent leather shoes. The most expensive dresses will be made from cotton velvet and silk satin. Details like hand embroidery, smocking and lace can turn an ordinary design into a gorgeous family heirloom. For less expensive options, consider snowflake sweater dresses or cotton flannel dresses. Favorite brands for girl's holiday clothing include Hanna Andersson, Best & Co. and Burberry.

There are head-to-toe accessories a girl can wear with her holiday outfit. Starting from the top a sweet, cashmere beret can keep a dainty head warm while out singing Christmas carols. Once inside, long hair can be adorned with barrettes, bows or maybe even a plaid headband.

Tights should be worn with skirts and dresses to keep legs warm. Jewelry can make many young girls feel grown up and special. Avoid large chunky styles and select delicate items like a small strand of pearls or a pretty locket. Many young girls will enjoy carrying a purse.

For more casual holiday celebrations girls can wear a skirt and a sweater set. Tiered skirts are very trendy and come in an assortment of lengths and fabrics. Try to avoid denim at this time of year, and opt for something a bit more festive. Great casual clothes can be found at J.Crew, Gap and Target.

And if you've got a tomboy, perhaps you'll settle on a pair of snappy velvet jeans and holiday snowflake sweater.

Boys Holiday Clothing
If you're lucky, you may be able to convince your spouse to put your son in a velvet suit for the holidays. As a boy gets older, a blazer and dress pants will be more practical. Skip the suit-they look stiff on most boys. When putting together you son's outfit, try for a classic look: Navy blazer, grey slacks and an oxford shirt. For young men, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Brooks Brothers are all well-trusted names.

If Dad is wearing a tie, the son may want to follow suit. It can be fun to have matching ties for the male members of the family. Clip-ons ties tend to look cheap-go for the traditional silk rep (diagonally striped) tie.

Feeling like your son can pull off a more daring look? Try a hound's tooth or tweed sport coat paired with a turtleneck or plaid tie with dress shirt.

When it comes to footwear, boys will need dress shoes. Sneakers just won't cut it. Loafers are the most comfortable choice; lace-up Oxford shoes are too cumbersome for small feet that would rather be playing football than sitting through a religious service. And one finale note on the feet: No white socks.

For less formal events, a turtleneck, holiday sweater (in red or navy) and corduroys can be a happy compromise-this outfit is stylish and comfortable for a squirmy youngster. Great places to shop for cute casual looks include: LL Bean, Lands' End and Small Paul.

Now that you know what to put the kids in for your parties, you may want to consider your holiday card. Each year more than 1.9 billion cards are mailed out for the holidays - make yours memorable. Here are a few ideas for family holiday photos:
•Dress the family in matching monogrammed turtlenecks.
•Find coordinating holiday sweaters.
•Orchestrate a snowball fight in matching parkas.
•Snap a shot at the beach wearing color-coordinated polar fleece jackets.

And finally, a few more tips before photo time. Remember to make the photo outing fun. Plan a trip to see a movie after the photo session or treat your kids to pizza to reward them for their smiles and patience. One last thing: Don't get your child's' hair cut the day before the family photo. Now say cheese and relax, your kids will look great for the holidays.