Where to wear your ugly holiday sweater

It’s one of those things that goes from crazy idea to national sensation.

Once a garment that announced the festivities of the winter season, the Christmas sweater is crafted with various scenes of holiday mirth – but for many, the scratchy, woolen pullovers represent torturous moments spent wearing uncomfortable and unfashionable attire that leaves most wearers hot and itchy.

However, during the past decade, the ‘lemons-into-lemonade” mentality stepped in – it was most-likely back in 2001, according to the “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book: The Definitive Guide to Getting Your Ugly On.” Although those who actually devised the concept remain a mystery, the authors (Brian Miller, Adam Paulson, Kevin Wool) have decided that through their research the first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party took place 10 years ago in Vancouver, British Columbia. Regardless of its origin, the theme has blossomed into a yearly contest and gathering that several bars and clubs throw – and Long Island has joined the craze.

So, for all those in possession of the often-gaudy, occasionally-garish cold-weather jumpers (or are buying one or more for party purposes), here are some bashes where Long Islanders will compete to see whose spirited gear takes top honors: