It’s time to celebrate Moms with our Annual Northshore Mother’s Day Giveaways! Up for grabs are several great prizes from RN Esthetics & Laser Co., The Maids, Yannalfo’s, All Care Laser Center, Backstage Salon, and Salem Waterfront Hotel/Regatta Pub. Entering is easy and fun. Simply answer a quick question by commenting here, at our Facebook page, or tweeting with the #NSgiveaway hashtag.

Question: “What is the best advice your mom has ever given you?”

That’s it! Just one comment! And, when you comment, if you have a prize preference, include it in your post. Winners will be announced throughout the day on Monday, May 8, 2013! Good Luck!

Jason Polonsky with Kimbo

Winter is the season to pull out the fancy dresses, glitzy jewelry, and crisp suits.  With all of its joyous celebrations and over-the-top feasts, there is nothing quite like looking your absolute best during the holidays.

However, amidst all of the designer labels and posh outfits, there is one item that always manages to make an appearance, and, in some ways, is ranked above the rest. No matter how many generations have passed, or how evolved fashion has become (and whether we like it or not), the ugly holiday sweater has turned into a seasonal staple. One would even call it a must-have, as there are many parties that are solely dedicated to it.

We have all, at one time or another, worn an ugly sweater. They come in all sizes and feature an array of eyesores. From blinking lights to dancing reindeer atop a gingerbread house, there is nothing attractive about an ugly holiday sweater, other than the fact that everyone else is wearing one.

Although no one in the office is brave enough to sport the ugly annual pullover, the Northshore staff is brimming with seasonal spirit. This year we wanted readers to share our spirit in a unique way; we asked social followers to send us their best ugly holiday sweaters, and the results were impressive. When it came to naming the absolute ugliest, the one worn by Jason Polonsky from Peabody definitely deserved the distinction. Daringly dressed in a snowflake-covered turtleneck, holiday vest, and Santa hat (pictured here with Kimbo, his friendly Mastiff), more spirit couldn’t be squeezed into one picture, even if we tried.

Each entry was uniquely inspiring. From sequins to sewn on stockings to stuffed animals, the creativity was most impressive.  See more top entries below.

The North Shore is abundant with holiday events, festivals, and traditions. We want to know how you celebrate the holiday and what is your favorite family tradition? Share with us in the comment box below for a chance to win a gift from several North Shore businesses! Winners will be selected at random.

Happy Holidays!