Go ahead and admit it. You have an old holiday sweater in the back of your closet. You know, the one with the bright embroidered holly leaves, poinsettia plants, the gaudy sequins and maybe even a few jingle bell adornments. Well, dust off that old ugly Christmas sweater and give it the praise it deserves this time of year! Ugly sweaters have been all the rage the past few years. In fact there are several companies out there making a killer profit on selling the ugliest of uglies. Whether you have a Christmas party on your calendar or seeking a theme to your upcoming party, why not consider the ugly sweater? Here are a few great ideas. For more, log on to our Christmas board on Pinterest.

Make your own sweater

If you don’t currently own an ugly sweater, or even if you do and want to add to your collection, there are dozens of great DIY ideas for transforming that typical pullover or cardigan into an award-winning ugly sweater.  

Popular themes for ugly sweaters include beloved holiday movies like “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Home Alone” and “Elf.” Design your sweater to look like the leg lamp or the tongue frozen to the pole from “A Christmas Story.” Create your own Griswold Christmas light show on a sweater. Or transform yourself into Buddy the Elf with a clever sweater design. 

Not one for themes? Just want to free form your design? Be sure and grab all the old ornaments, strings of lights, Santa and snowman appliques, and wrapping paper, bows and tinsel to create your own creative masterpiece. You could even incorporate theme music or a roaring fireplace with smartphone apps.

Need some help? There’s an Ugly Christmas Sweater Kit you can buy at places like Target to help you create the ultimate fashion crime. 

Buy your sweater

If you aren’t feeling super crafty this year, or simply don’t have time, there are many retailers out there that are either adding ugly sweaters to their holiday clothing offerings, or some businesses specializing in creating ugly sweaters. 

Kohl’s, Walmart, Target and Amazon are all sporting a wide array of sweater options. Some feature sweet reindeer or elves, while others boast giant Santa faces, admissions of being on the naughty list, and even some featuring Darth Vadar, perfect for this Christmas of all things “Star Wars.”

Websites like UglyChristmasSweaterParty.com and TipsyElves.com are making a killing with their wide array of ugly sweaters, many of them snarky, irreverent and completely hilarious. They even offer accessories, leggings and more to complement that bright sweater. 

Host an ugly sweater party

There is no better way to show off your ultimate ugly sweater than by hosting an ugly sweater-themed party! Not hosting a party this year? Convince your company to incorporate the theme in this year’s festivities. 

Naturally, everyone should arrive in their best ugly sweater, but reward their efforts by creating a stellar contest. Silly trophies from the second-hand store would be completely appropriate. 

Invites, finger foods, desserts and even party favors can all be decked in the brightest of colors and designs to continue to fun theme, too. 

– Jennifer Durrant, Daily Herald