Funky Christmas Jumpers: Embrace the Festive Fun

Christmas jumpers have gone from being a slightly embarrassing gift from your gran to an essential part of festive fashion. 

Whether you’re rocking a light-up Rudolph, a sequinned snowman, or a tongue-in-cheek slogan jumper, these playful knits are a brilliant way to spread holiday cheer. 

What brought this blogpost on? I opened my Christmas jumper drawer and thought: "Yes! This will make a fine topic for another blogpost!"

Here’s why you should fully embrace funky Christmas jumpers this season and how to style them with flair.

Why Christmas Jumpers Are a Must-Have

They Bring Joy: Nothing says "holiday spirit" quite like a cheerful jumper. They’re an easy way to make people smile, whether you’re at the office or the family dinner table.

Perfect for Any Occasion: From work parties to lounging at home, Christmas jumpers strike the perfect balance between comfort and festivity.

Creative Expression: With so many designs available, you can choose a jumper that matches your personality, whether it’s funny, chic, or outrageously over-the-top.

Charitable Fun: Many Christmas jumper days, like Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day in the UK, help raise funds for good causes. Looking fabulous while giving back? Win-win!

How to Choose the Perfect Funky Christmas Jumper

Consider Your Audience:

Keep it tasteful for work events or family gatherings. Think cute reindeers, snowy landscapes, or classic Christmas motifs.

For casual get-togethers, the wilder, the better—go for LED lights, pom-poms, or even musical jumpers!

Go Bold with Colours:

Festive reds, greens, and golds are traditional, but don’t shy away from unexpected colours like pastel pinks, icy blues, or monochromatic whites for a modern twist.

Make It Personal:

Jumpers with slogans like "Santa’s Favourite" or personalised ones featuring your name or pet’s face make a fun and unique statement.

Vintage Appeal:

Charity shops and vintage stores are treasure troves for retro Christmas jumpers. They’re sustainable and have a nostalgic charm.

How to Style a Funky Christmas Jumper

For Work Parties: Pair your jumper with smart trousers or a midi skirt and ankle boots. Add a bit of sparkle with jewellery or a festive headband.

Casual Days: Throw on your jumper with jeans and trainers for an effortlessly cool look. Bonus points for a Santa hat or reindeer antlers.

Christmas Day Glam: Wear your jumper with a tulle skirt or tailored trousers. Finish with statement shoes to balance the casual top with a chic bottom.

Layer It Up: Use your jumper as a statement piece over a collared shirt or under a blazer for added texture and warmth.

Where to Find Funky Christmas Jumpers

High-Street Brands: Stores like Primark, Marks & Spencer, and Next offer affordable and stylish options.

Online Marketplaces: Etsy and Not On The High Street have unique, handmade designs that stand out.

Sustainable Choices: Opt for second-hand jumpers from charity shops or rent one for a single occasion from services like HURR.

DIY Your Own: Get crafty with an old jumper and decorate it with baubles, sequins, and fabric paint. It’s a fun project and guarantees a one-of-a-kind design.

Christmas Jumper Day

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Christmas Jumper Day, celebrated in mid-December. It’s the perfect excuse to showcase your best (or worst) jumper while raising funds for charity. Gather your colleagues, friends, or family and make it a tradition!

Funky Jumper Etiquette

Own the Look: Confidence is key. Even if your jumper has a dancing penguin on it, wear it like it’s haute couture.

Avoid Overheating: Christmas jumpers are cosy, but indoor gatherings can get warm. Choose lightweight fabrics or wear a breathable layer underneath.

Match the Mood: If you’re unsure about how funky to go, scope out the vibe of the event beforehand.

This festive season, don’t shy away from the glitz, glitter, and unapologetic fun of funky Christmas jumpers. They’re not just clothing—they’re a celebration of holiday joy, laughter, and togetherness. So pull one on, pour a mug of mulled wine, and let your festive spirit shine bright!

How to Arrange Fun Christmas Competitions for Friends and Family – Celebrating the “Naff” Factor!

Christmas is the perfect time to embrace all things quirky, kitschy, and over-the-top—what better way to do so than with some good-natured competitions centred around naff Christmas jumpers, decorations, and tree ornaments? 

Whether your loved ones are around the corner or scattered across the globe, technology allows everyone to join in the fun. Here’s how to organise these hilarious and heartwarming competitions for a Christmas to remember.

1. The Naff Christmas Jumper Contest

No festive gathering is complete without an abundance of loud and proud Christmas jumpers! From blinking lights to garish designs, the tackier, the better.

How to Host

For In-Person Gatherings: Create a runway or photo backdrop for participants to show off their jumpers. Offer prizes for categories like “Most Tacky,” “Funniest,” and “Most Creative DIY.”

For Virtual Gatherings: Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet. Encourage everyone to model their jumper and strike a pose. Create a group poll to vote for the winners or nominate a panel of judges.

Extra Twist

Challenge participants to DIY their jumpers by adding unconventional decorations, such as tinsel, baubles, or a miniature Christmas tree!

2. Naff Christmas Tree Decoration Challenge

Turn decorating the Christmas tree into a laugh-out-loud competition. The goal? To create the most outrageously naff tree possible.

How to Play

Set the Rules: Participants can only use household items, bargain bin finds, or handmade decorations to adorn their tree.

Virtual Participants: Ask everyone to send photos of their trees before the big day or do a live tree reveal during the call.

Voting: Use apps like Mentimeter for live voting or let a jury of kids (who always appreciate silliness) pick the winner.

Award Categories

"Most Outlandish Tree"

"The Tinsel Overload Award"

"Most Creative Use of Random Items"

3. Naff Home Decoration Contest

It’s time to go big—turn your home (or a single room) into the ultimate showcase of gaudy Christmas décor. Think clashing colours, inflatable Santa Clauses, and as much glitter as humanly possible.

How to Compete

For Remote Participants: Arrange a virtual home tour via video call. Participants can walk their cameras around to highlight their décor choices.

Judging: Encourage each participant to deliver a short, tongue-in-cheek pitch about their “design inspiration.”

Voting: Use a mix of categories like “Most Naff,” “Brightest Display,” and “Most Imaginative.”

Pro Tip

Set a budget cap (e.g., £10 or $15) to keep it fair and encourage creative reuse of existing items.

4. Group Participation Made Easy

To involve family and friends from all corners of the world, use these tips:

Set a Theme and Deadlines: Announce the competition themes early and give participants a deadline to submit entries or prepare their decorations.

Use Shared Platforms: Create a private group on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Google Groups where people can share photos, videos, and updates about their progress.

Plan a Live Event: Host a live virtual event to announce the winners. Add games or carol singing to make it even more festive.

Prizes for Maximum Fun

Keep prizes light-hearted and in keeping with the naff theme. Ideas include:

A miniature tinsel crown for the “King/Queen of Naff”

A “Golden Bauble” trophy (DIY using gold paint and an old ornament)

Joke gifts, like a framed photo of the winning decoration or a box of out-of-season Easter eggs

Make It Memorable

These competitions are about bringing people together and creating shared laughter. Encourage participants to document their efforts, whether through funny selfies, progress videos, or a group scrapbook of entries. You could even compile a video montage to share with everyone afterward as a keepsake.

Why Embrace the Naff?

Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about joy, connection, and embracing the silliness of the season. These competitions are a brilliant way to break the ice, spark creativity, and make sure that everyone, near or far, feels part of the festivities.

So, dig out those flashing jumpers, stock up on tinsel, and start planning your most wonderfully naff Christmas ever!