by Mary Jo
I've heard of ugly Christmas sweaters in casual ways, but I had no idea what A Thing they've become until I read an article in the Baltimore Sun by Brittany Britto. (I tried to link, but couldn't, sorry!)
It used to be that ugly Christmas sweaters were just ones that someone gave you that weren't to your taste. Now they're about play and dressing up, which is why there is now an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Day," and it's December 16th.
There are even websites! (The Christmas present sweater above is from Tipsy Elves, and it's kind of cute, actually. <G>)
There is actually an Ugly Christmas Sweater website and it's in Michigan, a state where a few cozy sweaters are pretty much necessary to get through the long, icy winters.
Ugly is in the eye of the beholder, and while no sweater is for everyone, the real theme is playful and usually colorful. Some are based on pop culture trends; not surprisingly, there are Game of Thrones sweaters warning gloomily that "Winter is Coming." With wolves or dragons. <G>
There are also playful ones with Ninja Turtles and Star Wars and your favorite band themes. Below is a 3D sweater from Ugly Christmas Sweaters which is certainly--striking, but personally I think that having a stuffed moose sticking out of your chest would be a real crumb catcher. Not a lot of fun to sit back in a chair, either!
And there are sports versions! Here in Baltimore, that means mostly orange for the Orioles and purple for the Ravens. I like purple so this sweater dress at the NFL shop definitely rocks the Ravens.
Naturally hot trends will draw in celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg and Beyonce, who have ugly sweater paraphernalia, which can be found in places like Lord & Taylor.
There are also statement sweaters like this girl power one at at Ghood Girl, a site that celebrates the power and culture of black women.
Ugly sweaters have been enlisted to raise money for charity. A local one invites sweatered humans and leashed dogs to a party as a fundraiser for the Humane Society. (I don't expect we'll see such parties for cats. <G>)
There are also sweater themed parties at sociable bars where people go to hang out with friends. The sweaters for a couple above would be just right for that kind of date night.
This Saturday there will be a South Baltimore Ugly Sweater Stroll and for people with a lot of energy, there is an Ugly Sweater 5K run. Go, Sweaterkins!
I love sweaters because they keep me warm and they're comfortable for those of us who live on our computers. Do you have any ugly Christmas sweaters? Have I made you yearn to get one? <G>
Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is almost here, so Christmas sweaters are going on sale before their season is over, There's still time to get one if you're in need!
Stay warm and have fun!
Mary Jo, offering one last Star Wars R2D2 sweater (and with thanks to Brittany Britto for a delightful article!)