Ugly Christmas Sweater Fans: Where to Buy, Style & Events

Happy Thursday — and welcome to Thrifty Thursday!

This week our evenings have been full of holiday gatherings, which gave us the perfect excuse to pull out our favorite ugly Christmas sweaters. I love when something small turns an ordinary night into something playful and memorable. Early in November I stopped by the thrift store and found a pile of festive sweaters, so I grabbed a few while they were out. They’ve been such a fun addition to the season’s parties and casual get-togethers.

What made it even better was wearing our festive knits to events that weren’t even labeled “Ugly Christmas Sweater” parties. It was hilarious to see friends’ reactions when we walked in all decked out—totally unexpected and completely delightful. If you don’t have an ugly sweater night on the calendar, consider making one: it’s an easy way to break the ice and encourage laughter. The key is to commit to the silliness and enjoy the moment.

Kyle’s sweatshirt is my favorite this year — it reads “Official Mistletoe Tester,” and it’s impossible not to grin when you see it. The sweater is comfy and cheeky, the sort of thing that sparks conversation and photos. Below I’ve included a few of the favorites we wore this season. Some have a strong 80s vibe that feels perfectly retro, and others are sweet and whimsical for little kids.

Some of the designs are delightfully over-the-top: pom-poms, sequins, large applique decorations and bold colors. They’re meant to be playful and intentionally exaggerated, which is why they work so well at holiday parties.

Aiden’s sweater has a tiny deer motif that is absolutely adorable — sweet without being too flashy. Kids’ versions of these sweaters can be just as charming as the larger, gaudier adult designs. Whether you go full kitsch or pick something with a touch of whimsy, an ugly sweater can instantly change the mood of a party for the better.

If you’re heading to a gathering this month, consider wearing a festive sweater — even if the invite doesn’t call for one. It makes photos more interesting, gives people something to comment on, and sets a lighthearted tone that helps everyone relax and enjoy the season.

On another thrifted find, I rescued a vintage Polaroid Swinger camera. Isn’t it charming? The front of it looks a lot like a familiar social app icon — that retro rectangle with a circle — and I love the nostalgia it brings. It’s a great conversation piece and a reminder of how photography used to be more deliberate: one instant print at a time.

The classic “swinger” nickname comes from the little strap on the camera that lets you swing the device up to take a shot. It’s part practical and part theatrical, and it’s fun to imagine how photographers used to operate these cameras at family events. Just be careful if you try to replicate the dramatic swing—these cameras are chunkier than modern devices!

Whether you’re hunting for vintage electronics or playful holiday sweaters, thrift stores are a great place to find pieces that feel unique and full of personality. They’re budget-friendly, sustainable, and they often yield treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater or a favorite turtleneck waiting to come out of storage this month? Pull it out, wear it with pride, and let it be the start of a memorable night.