WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Several families sought out local businesses and spaces to let loose and enjoy themselves following the stress of the holidays.

Five Monkeys Inc. in West Des Moines opened their doors for some family fun with a PJ Party. Families were invited to wear their comfiest clothes, sip hot cocoa, and get creative while painting some pottery.

Store owner Dina Bechman said she wanted to be comfy Thursday and figured most families would feel the same way.

“If I were not working today, I would like to be in my jammies. So, I just thought I’d wear my jammies to work today. So that is where the idea originated,” said Bechman. “So, we’re just having a chill day, friends hanging out, families hanging out.”

The shop has a wide variety of pieces for people to choose from with various Christmas items like ornaments and plates for families to personalize.

One family says it was the perfect way to unwind following the stress from the holidays.

“There was so much hype, you know, with Christmas Eve and then Christmas Day and then it’s like the day after Christmas and I’m thinking, what do we do, you know? And so, it’s nice to get out of the house and go do something fun and creative.” said Ann Smith who brought her family to the store Thursday.

This is the first year Five Monkey’s Inc has held the event, but people were all for it.

“It was packed in here. We had to put some people in the back room because every table was full,” said Bechman

Bechman says she will definitely plan events like this is the future and hopes that families will come visit Five Monkey’s Inc and make some new memories together.