It’s that time of the year again! SWEATER WEATHER! Even better, UGLY Sweater Weather Time!!!

It is finally almost cold enough to wear sleeves again! If you are anything like us in San Diego, you get that this is really a cause to celebrate. We don’t have “seasons,” and even as I’m writing this I feel like maybe I have spoken too soon. But, still, thoughts of “Sweater Weather”…UGLY Sweater Weather. Hehe. And I couldn’t be giddier about it.

Confession, I used to kind of frown on this and only think of it for theme party purposes. Though, over the last few years my views have changed. The Ugly Sweater has evolved and become my festive nerdom badge instead of just holiday outrageousness.

Nothing wrong with DIY crafty gawdy over the top sweaters. They are still fun and scratch my crafty itch. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a good pun and an extra use for all those bows and tinsels? Some sweaters even being a little more adult themes….like Red Solo Cup Beer Pong, or extra Mittens sewn onto interesting places. I mean DIY have their place.

Did you know Amazon even sells sweater decorating kits? And for beards?… And for cookies? Yup, it’s all there! Also, bonus, a fun idea for family quarantine party-time! Keep the littles occupied and in the spirit.

As much as the Ugly Sweater trend was all good DIY tacky fun, it didn’t win me over. I actually didn’t get really get excited till I started seeing all for the store-bought ones made to speak to certain nerdoms.

The Ugly Sweater stitching that had evolved out of the original DIY trend was what got me. I was actually pretty flipping happy about it. Every day casual tackiness with a touch of nerd flag to be waved, anytime it’s cold. From Fall through Winter festivities! 😀 YES!

Seriously, giddy because there are sweaters with some of my childhood favorites, Alf! Gizmo!…Rainbow Brite! Now, this was the fun that speaks to me!

They’ve also becoming increasingly easy to find with the exact characters or items wanting. Literally, I was able to find like every anime character my friends had thrown at me. Places like Amazon, Hot Topic, and Halloween Costumes.com speaking our nerdy language.

Star Wars-themed ones had become my easy go-to for White Elephant, White Bantha gifting. The sweaters have also been a fun way to sneak some of my personality into office work wardrobe because let’s be real, they just look like sweaters from far enough away sometimes. 😉

Personally, I am a proud owner of a Zombie Santa Sweater (thanks to my friends at the now retired, San Diego Zombiewalk). Also, I am just counting down the days till my newest one arrives! If you read my “Labyrinth Obsession” post you may have a good clue which one I’m talking about. That Purple Owl Labyrinth one from Halloween Costumes.com, like, I had to!!! It is these little dorky things that keep me going.

Am I the only one that gets excited at any extra opportunity to work nerdy stuff in my wardrobe? Or in festivities? It’s always such a dorky added bonus to me.

Really, I am just so ready for the full weather change! Wardrobe change!

I guess the real question is, do you prefer DIY or Store Bought Ugly Sweaters?? *Etsy crafters count as store-bought to me. Feel free to share your favorite crafter or small business links in the comments below too!