Make Santa's Favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater This Year for Festive Holiday Fun

Introducing Santa's Favorite Sweater

The holidays are a magical time of year, filled with festive decorations, delicious treats, and quality time with loved ones. For many, the Christmas season isn't complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself. When Old Saint Nick comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve, you want to make sure he feels right at home. What better way to welcome Santa than by having the whole family wear matching "Santa's Favorite Sweater" ugly Christmas sweaters?

The Story Behind Santa's Favorite Sweater

The legend goes that on a particularly cold Christmas Eve long ago, Santa was shivering as he delivered presents around the world. All the chimneys he climbed down left his classic red suit covered in soot. To warm up, he stopped at a home where the family had thoughtfully left out a handmade sweater. Santa slipped on the ugly Christmas sweater and immediately felt cozy and festive. From then on, tacky holiday sweaters became Santa's favorite thing to wear while spreading Christmas cheer.

Today, households across the country set out ugly Christmas sweaters for Santa as a tradition. The kookier and more over-the-top, the better. Sequins, puffy paint designs, pom poms, bells, bows - anything goes! The key is to show Santa he's welcome by having a sweater that looks like it came straight from the North Pole.

Make Your Own Santa's Favorite Sweater

Want to take part in the tradition of Santa's favorite sweater this Christmas? Making DIY ugly Christmas sweaters for the whole family is easier than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

• Choose a plain, red sweater or sweatshirt from a thrift store as the base.
• Decorate with fuzzy pom poms, jingle bells, ribbon, lace, fabric paint and other embellishments.
• Cut out felt letters to iron or glue on a slogan like "Santa's Favorite" or "Naughty & Nice."
• Use puffy paint to add Christmas images like trees, snowflakes and ornaments.
• Sew or pin on goofy appliques like reindeer antlers or mistletoe for an extra laugh.
• Add lights around the collar or hem for a festive touch Santa will love.

DIY Tips and Inspiration

Looking for more ideas and advice for creating the perfect Santa's sweater? Here are some top tips:

• Use stencils when painting designs by numbers or letters to keep things neat.
• Glue glitter, beads, rickrack or other trims on with fabric glue for added sparkle.
• Keep base sweatshirts extra cozy by lining with festive flannel fabric.
• Make it a family affair by having everyone decorate their own sweater.
• Take inspiration from ugly Christmas sweaters you see in stores or online.
• Upcycle thrift store finds by adding your own creative touches.
• Use iron-on vinyl for easy application of phrases, images or names.

Don't be afraid to let your creativity run wild! Part of the charm of DIY Santa's sweaters is their homemade imperfections. The wackier and more outrageous, the better. Santa will get a good laugh and feel right at home.

Spread Holiday Cheer

Leave out Santa's favorite ugly Christmas sweater this year to keep the legend alive. Once you've decked the halls and crafted some over-the-top sweaters, gather the family together on Christmas Eve. Snap some photos in your matching outfits to remember the fun tradition and holiday spirit.

When Santa comes down the chimney, he'll be delighted to don the sweater you left out. As he places the gifts under the tree, he'll feel warm, cozy and filled with the special feeling only the Christmas season can bring. Everyone will awake Christmas morning with joy in their hearts eager to carry on the new family custom. Santa's favorite sweater is sure to become a cherished annual tradition for years to come!

FAQs

What's the story behind Santa's favorite sweater?

According to legend, one cold Christmas Eve Santa was shivering down chimneys and stopped at a house where the family left out a homemade ugly sweater to keep him warm. He loved it so much it became a tradition for families to leave Santa tacky DIY sweaters.

What kind of materials can I use to decorate an ugly Christmas sweater?

Get creative with pom poms, bells, glitter, sequins, fabric paint, puffy paint, felt, ribbons, rickrack, appliques, lights, and more. Anything goes when making an over-the-top sweater for Santa!

Where can I find an ugly Christmas sweater to DIY?

Check thrift stores for used red or green sweaters to upcycle. Plain sweaters from craft stores also work well. For a cozy touch, line sweaters with festive flannel.

What are some good phrases to put on a Santa's favorite sweater?

Try ironing on vinly or gluing felt letters to spell out fun sayings like "Santa's Favorite," "Naughty & Nice," or "Dear Santa, I Can Explain."

How can I get the best family photos in our matching sweaters?

Capture the fun memories by taking photos together in front of your Christmas tree, fireplace, or other festive backdrop. Get some shots on Christmas Eve before bed and Christmas morning too!