The Ugly Sweater Christmas Party has become something of a tradition here in Eau Claire.  This year will be its 3rd year, and it just gets better every year. The main goal is simply the cheesier, the funnier! It all starts with a trip to Goodwill; each person must wear some sort of ugly Christmas outfit-usually that is a sweater (you know, the type with bells, sequins, 3-D Santas with fuzzy beards, and ones that might even, actually light up) but it can also be a vest, a turtle neck, a sweater-you would be surprised what people find! The outfits usually expand to include funny earrings, things for your hair, and crazy Christmas socks. The hosting house then finds as many cheap, ugly decorations for the house at possible (again, Goodwill is a gold mine for this).  These decorations have ranged from a man-sized stocking to a dented plastic snowman to various plastic figurines to tons of gaudy tinsel to misteltoe ALL over, to whatever you may possibly find at the store-don't be afraid to buy ugly stuff-it will be hilarious. We also have a tree every year wilth lots of ugly, mismatched balls on it.  Then, all you need is a lot of egg nog, Christmas cookies, and Christmas music.  Every single year, people have loved the party and we have had an excellent turn out...I can't wait for this year's festivities.  Be sure to have a camera present, and even someone dressed as Santa for very fun photo ops!