Holiday Clothes for Kids

Tree trimming parties, Hanukkah celebrations and New Year's brunch. You'll want your kids to look great at all these events. Plus you know there is going to be a camera nearby. These pictures will last a lifetime, so make sure the kids look smashing this holiday season.

With a little planning and some careful shopping, there's no reason dressing your kids for the holidays has to be stressful. Read on for some simple ideas, from turtlenecks  to mary janes , to make this the cutest holiday ever!

Infants

If your child is less than 6 months old, trying to wrestle them into a suit or party dress is futile.  The easiest way to dress an infant for the holidays is in a simple one-piece outfit . The benefits clearly shine for these onsies, they are: Warm and look adorable. Easy when it comes time to change a diaper. Comfortable for the baby; a happy baby will look the best in pictures. Bands to consider: At Home  Carter's  Minibasics  LeTop

Kids

When it comes to getting older kids ready for the holidays, it pays to shop around and start early. Don't buy these clothes big enough to last two seasons, as they'll just look sloppy the first year and tight the second. Consider these tips before buying:

• While you may want to splurge on a dress coat or a party 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 them for a few precious hours.
• Consider swapping 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
Holiday Dress	Dress Shoes	Holiday Sweater	Velvet skirt	Dress Coat

Boys Holiday Clothing
Velvet Suit	Blazer	Dress Pants	Tie	Holiday Sweater

A few more things

• Girl's will most likely need tights  with their dresses and skirts.
• Special ribbons  and barrettes  are a nice touch in girl's hair.
• Boys will need dress shoes. Loafers  are the most comfortable, lace-up Oxford shoes are too cumbersome.
• Tip: Don't get your child's' hair cut the day before the family photo. This could be disastrous!

Photo Time

Lifestyle.msn.com offers a complete guide to making this year's card a keeper.  Some families opt for formal outfits by the Christmas tree, while others go in for a picture set in the great outdoors with matching outfits on the kids. Don't forget to have a fun game or treat planned for after the photo session to thank your kids for their patience and good spirit. Here are a few ideas for outdoor casual portraits:

• Monogrammed Turtlenecks. 
• Holiday sweaters. 
• Matching parkas. 
• Color-coordinated polar fleece jackets.