by Vicky Subotich

It’s that time of year again!  There’s a chill in the air and the smell of Pumpkin Spice lattes are sabotaging the diet that I haven’t started yet.

While most people are slowly making their way up to their attics to bring down the dusty boxes of Christmas decorations, my halls have been decked since early November.  Yes, Christmas is my most favorite time of the year.  I skip around the house jamming out to Last Christmas and my husband is in a panic trying to find electrical outlets for all the lights I’ve just bought.

The official kickoff to the holidays in my balmy Florida neighborhood is my Annual Ugly Sweater Party.  I started it four years ago because we don’t live close to family and I love getting together with friends and neighbors.

Why an Ugly Sweater Party?  It’s the best ice breaker ever!  Friends and strangers felt comfortable pointing and laughing at each other (not usually acceptable behavior, but here it’s encouraged).  Hey let’s be honest, it’s just plain funny! Laughing puts everyone in a good mood and a good mood is the key to a great party.

Here are my tips to throw an ugly sweater Christmas party:

1. Invitations

I like to send out formal invitations every year. Hardly anyone does this anymore with e-mail and Facebook.  It’s nice to get something in the mail that’s not a bill.  I do a simple photo card like the kind you get at Christmas. It has a picture of my husband and I in our Ugly sweaters as well as a picture of last year’s winners with the caption, “This could be you”.

2.  The Hunt

Probably the best thing about having this kind of party is the hunt for this year’s EPIC Ugly Sweater. It gets your guests involved and amped up for the festivities. Before you know it you’ll be stopped at the grocery store by someone bragging that they have found this year’s winner.  Where do you find it?  Amazingly there is no shortage of Ugly Sweaters around.  The Salvation Army and Goodwill are good options and so is Grandma’s closet (anything hand knit is usually a big hit).

You can get creative and take a moderately ugly sweater and add tinsel garlands, bells, lights you name it.  As the years go by you’ll find it increasingly difficult to outdo yourself.  If you’re really ambitious you can go online, by far the best selection if you’re willing to pay the price!

3.   Food

I am a notorious perfectionist and like to plan and prepare most of the food myself, though I’m making an effort to loosen the reigns. Do yourself a favor and ask a few friends to bring their best appetizers. Stick to finger foods, it’s a lot easier.

4.   Prizes

Make his and hers sashes Mr. Ugly Sweater 2012 and Mrs. Ugly Sweater 2012. Buy antlers for him and a tiara for her and one small prize for each. Have each guest vote for their favorite girl and guy on scrap paper. Count the ballots and crown the winners.

5.  Chinese takeout boxes

I get them in red they are a really cute way to get rid of the leftovers that won’t fit in your fridge.

6.   Party favors

This is optional. I like to give small ornaments. You can hit Walmart or even the Dollar store. Hang them on a small tree with last names and let your guests find their own.

7.  Take lots of pictures.

It’s so much fun to share them and all those Ugly Sweaters look great together. Don’t forget to take a picture of this year’s winners you’ll need it for next years invitations.

Remember, the harder people laugh at you the better your chances of winning.  Have fun!  May your Christmas be Merry and your sweaters be super ugly!

Vicky Subotich grew up in Toronto, Canada but moved with her husband to the U.S. after they were married.  They currently call Jacksonville Florida home. Vicky is a stay-at-home swim Mom to Alex and Michael.