Believe it or not, this photo was not from the 1980s. My lovely girlfriend, Jess, made these sweaters as entries into her company "ugly sweater" contest. For some reason, people thought mine was ugly, but I think it's really cute. Don't you?

This is originally posted on my website, Make It With Jason.

Step 1: What You Need: Ugly Sweaters, Awkwardness, Short Photographer

ATTIRE
First, get a regular sweater, then go to a thrift store and buy really ugly fabric Christmas decorations, like the bear and the penguin. Then, sew them to your sweater! If you're in a hurry, I guess you could use safety pins, but then it's not really a REAL sweater.

Voila! You've got the beginnings of an awkward family photo! These sweaters won us a big bottle of quality vodka booze. Yay! ahem, drink responsibly.

Next, get someone short to take your photo (why? because it will make you look more imposing and awkward, that's why!) Stand with a frowny face or just with a blank, almost sad face. Put your hands to your sides and pose.

Step 2: Send to EVERYONE YOU KNOW: Family, Exes, Your Stuffy Boss, Etc.

KEEP IT CHEESY
Add some text and a pretty frame in MS Paint or Photoshop (you can even add a stupid border in Word or some other word processing progam), and NOW YOU'RE COOKIN'!

Awkwardddddd!!

SOCIAL MEDIATIZE IT!
Then, email it to everyone you know, and, hopefully, they'll understand that it's MEANT to be funny. For even better exposure, post on Reddit or Instructables. The holidays are supposed to bring cheer--and, trust me, when done properly--this will bring it!

Check out my other, more extensive 'ibles, or visit my DIY blog, Make It With Jason.

Happy Holidays!

Warm Regards,

Jason Sipe