TACKY & PROUD: UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATERS TAKE THE SPOTLIGHT ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is just 10 days away. National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a day set aside to proudly wear ugly Christmas sweaters. Ugly Christmas sweaters have become a beloved holiday tradition, blending humor, nostalgia, and festive spirit into one delightfully tacky package.
Ugly Christmas sweaters were once considered the handiwork of overly enthusiastic relatives. Nowadays, these garish garments have been reborn as ironic fashion statements and holiday party staples. With bold colors, clashing patterns, and an abundance of glittery adornments, ugly sweaters embrace the over-the-top charm of the season. Whether they’re store-bought or crafted at home, these ugly Christmas sweaters bring people together in a celebration of unabashed holiday cheer.
So before you get dressed next Friday, December 20th... don't forget to find your ugly Christmas sweater and wear it! And don't just wear it, wear it proudly!
History of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day -- Which Version is Correct?
There are numerous stories about how National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day originated. Here are three:
- Some say that National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day started in Canada in 2011. Apparently the first ugly Christmas sweater party took place in Vancouver. It's also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom. This seems to be the most widely accepted version of the origins of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
- There are those, however, who claim this "movement" started in the 1950's not intending to be ugly. Ugly Christmas sweaters made their popular appearance in the 50’s with the mass commercialization of Christmas. They were first known as “Jingle Bell Sweaters”, and featured discrete Christmas themed decorations. The original ugly Christmas sweaters were never intended to be “ugly” they were actually pretty artistic and joyful.
- And then there are those who say National Ugly Sweater Day was created by Save the Children in 2012. The day was created to help bring attention to the plight of poor children around the world who are often forced to wear dirty, tattered clothes. The day is also meant to raise funds for Save the Children.
Regardless of how National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day began, the day has become very popular. It's estimated that several hundred thousand people don their ugly Christmas regalia each year in observance. We might even call it a movement by now! Lots of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day parties take place each year, many of them in support of a charity. The day is also widely celebrated in the United Kingdom and other countries. Maybe the name should be changed to International Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
How To Participate In National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
Participating in National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is easy. And participating doesn't make you fat or tipsy! All you have to do is wear an ugly Christmas sweater! (Although I suppose if your sweater is ugly enough, some might think you are tipsy!) I'll admit that I haven't seen so many ugly and weird sweaters on display for sale as I have in stores this year.
How To Show Off Your Ugly Christmas Sweater
Tips from NationalCalendarDay.com on how to show off your ugly Christmas sweater and celebrate the day "in style:"
- Animal or cartoon characters with a holiday theme are a great starting place. Think reindeer, snowmen, mice, kittens or elves.
- Select ridiculous colors. The more they clash, the better.
- Embellish. Scratch that. Over-embellish! Pom-poms, bells, felt, tinsel or any other glittery, jingly items laying around the house.
- Add a collar, dickey or ruffle.
- Electrify it! Put Rudolph to shame and go to the head of the team with bright, flashing lights!
- Give it some 80's flair with big shoulder pads.
Where To Buy An Ugly Christmas Sweater
Don't own an ugly Christmas sweater? No worries... here are two places where you can buy your own ugly Christmas sweater... you've got a week to get it organized.
"That's not an ugly Christmas sweater. It's a craft project gone totally wrong."
... Jonathan Winters
How To Make Your Own Ugly Christmas Sweater {Video}
If you're more of the "crafty," do-t-yourself type, check out this video for ideas on how to make your own ugly Christmas sweater:
This information about National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is provided by Nina Hollander with Coldwell Banker Realty, Greater Charlotte residential real estate expert. I love to wearing my not-ugly Christmas sweaters all through the month of December. I've been opening doors for Charlotte area home buyers and sellers since 1999.
If you're considering purchasing or selling a home in the Charlotte region, I'd love an opportunity to earn your business, exceed your expectations, and to show you why experience matters and how:
"The Right Broker Makes All The Difference."
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