The third Friday of December marks National Ugly Sweater Day, a quirky holiday dedicated to embracing the fun, festive, and often hilariously over-the-top tradition of wearing ugly holiday sweaters. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party or just looking to spice up your wardrobe with a little holiday cheer, this day is the perfect excuse to get creative!
National Ugly Sweater Day: History | Ways to Celebrate | DIY No-Sew Ugly Sweater
What Is National Ugly Sweater Day?
National Ugly Sweater Day began as a playful nod to the kitschy holiday sweaters that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The day started gaining traction in the early 2000s, as themed parties celebrating these tacky yet beloved garments became a holiday season staple.
From office parties to charity events, ugly sweaters have taken on a life of their own, inspiring people to don their most outrageous, glitter-filled, and festive attire. Today, the day is celebrated worldwide, with participants raising money for causes or just spreading holiday joy.
Fun Ways to Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day
1. Host an Ugly Sweater Party
Invite your friends and family to a festive gathering where everyone shows off their ugliest holiday attire. Award prizes for categories like “Most Creative Sweater,” “Funniest Sweater,” or “Most Over-the-Top Sweater.”
2. Workplace Ugly Sweater Contest
Get your coworkers involved! Celebrate by encouraging your team to wear their ugliest sweaters and have a mini runway show during lunch.
3. Ugly Sweater Themed Photoshoot
Capture the memories by hosting a holiday photoshoot. Set up a festive backdrop with string lights, tinsel, and garlands to highlight those ugly sweaters.
4. Donate to Charity
Many events around National Ugly Sweater Day partner with charities. Use the day to raise funds for a good cause by asking participants to contribute a small donation to join the fun.
How to Make a DIY No-Sew Ugly Sweater
No time to shop for the perfect ugly sweater? No problem! You can create your own using supplies you may already have at home.
Materials Needed:
- A sweater – choose festive colors like red, green, or white. If you want to go completely off the wall bonkers, use that horribly ugly patterned sweater you haven’t worn since the late 90’s and bedazzle the flimflam out of it!
- Cardboard or newspaper
- Felt or foam sheets in holiday colors
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun and fabric-safe glue sticks
- Festive decorations like pom-poms, tinsel, ornaments, garlands, bows, snowflakes, miniature reindeer, Santa hats, packages, stars, stockings, holly, and/or poinsettias.
Instructions:
- Plan Your Design
Decide on a theme—classic Christmas (think reindeer and Santa), winter wonderland (snowflakes and icicles), or even something wacky like a pickleball-playing Santa! - Create the Base
Lay the sweater flat on a table. Insert a sheet of cardboard or several layers of newspaper inside the sweater so you don’t glue the front to the back of the seater. - Cut out holiday shapes, like a Christmas tree or snowman, from felt or foam. Glue these onto the front of the sweater.
- Add Decorations
Use pom-poms, tinsel, and ornaments to decorate your sweater. - Personalize It
Add your name, a Christmas wish, or a funny holiday pun, to make your sweater even more uniquely you. - Let It Dry
Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing your masterpiece.
Why Ugly Sweaters Are Perfect for Holiday Parties
Ugly sweaters bring people together by embracing the lighthearted and silly side of the holiday season. Whether you’re making one yourself or buying one online, they’re an easy way to show your festive spirit and start conversations at any holiday gathering. No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Ugly Sweater Day is all about having fun, spreading joy, and embracing the holiday spirit. So grab your glitter, pom-poms, and garlands—or shop some of our favorites – and get ready to craft or wear the most spectacularly ugly sweater anyone has ever seen!
Happy National Ugly Sweater Day!