2. Ugly Christmas sweaters have
become an inescapable feature of
the holiday season. The holiday
sweater we have all come to love
has existed as a garment since the
late 19th Century. However, the
hideous and comical holiday
versions seen today have only been
present the last several decades.
The proclaimed “founders” of the
ugly Christmas sweater are known to
be Bill Cosby and Chevy Chase,
whom donned the attire while on
their respective television programs;
The Cosby Show and National
Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Photo taken from http://blog.ecollegefinder.org
Photo taken from http://hookedonhouses.net/
3. • The Ugly Christmas
sweater faded out of style in
the 90’s, but the trend has
once again become
popular. In current popular
culture the ugly Christmas
sweater has now become a
focus of celebration all their
own, with ugly sweater
parties taking place across
the nation during
December. From ages
young and old, individuals
are embracing this trend
and constantly trying to
one-up one another by
having the ugliest, most
outlandish and memorable
Christmas sweater.
(Photo taken from google images)
(Photo taken from esquire.com)
4. Ugly Christmas sweaters used to only be found in ancient places like
your grandma’s bedroom closet, and in hand-me-down stores such as
Goodwill and St. Vincent Depal. However, with a recent new surge in
popularity, corporations are taking advantage with sweaters now being
found in fashion shops such as H&M and Nordstrom, and in some cases
have even evolved into full suits. These sweaters/suits are more
flamboyant, over the top, and ironic than ever.
(Photo taken from www.theatlantic.com)
5. • One reason why ugly
Christmas sweaters and
their parties are so
popular is because they
give the freedom for
individuals to wear what
they want, look
ridiculously stupid, while
also providing the feeling
of fitting in. In a society
that is constantly focused
on presentation and
appearance, it is nice to
have a day where all
inhibitions go out the
window, and the worse
you look, the better you
are. Bells, tinsel, and
ornaments included!
(Photo taken from www.nationaluglychristmassweaterday.com)
6. • As stated previously, these
sweaters are a great way to
engage with the people around
you, and it can go even farther
than simply going out and
purchasing a sweater; you can
actually build your own! This is a
great way to connect with the
family (….even if it’s forced) and
you can really obtain that sense
of individualization by customizing
your own ugly Christmas sweater!
Plus, even if you really don’t like
hanging out with your family all
that much, you can show them up
by making the most hideous yet
righteous ugly Christmas sweater
ever! Who knows you might
actually have some fun!
(Photo taken from www.gilks.com)
7. The great aspect of ugly
Christmas sweaters is that they
can be presented in many
contexts and you really don’t
need a reason to wear one other
than it being the holiday season!
The ability they have to allow
individuals to connect with one
another, whether that be with
family, friends, or complete
strangers is truly impressive and
brings that holiday cheer. Even
though the sweaters are about
being festive and enjoying the
holidays they can also be used
for bigger things such as
fundraisers and giving back to
the community, which is another
great way to embrace that
holiday spirit!(Photo taken from www.teamjimmyjoe.com)
8. Whether you love ugly Christmas sweaters or not it is hard to deny the
power they possess. They have become a ubiquitous part of the holidays
and are starting to become tradition within families, groups of close
friends, and neighbors. They summon old memories of Christmas’ past
and are a great way to stay warm during those winter days….after all
they are sweaters. Holidays are often filled with copious amounts of
stress and anxiety regarding the financial burden of gift giving and the
extensive visits with the family. Ugly Christmas sweaters are a great way
to de-stress, relax, and be together by being able to laugh with
(…sometimes at) one another, and isn’t that what the holiday's are truly
all about? (Photo taken from google images)
