Go Ugly! Ugly Christmas Sweaters, That Is…

These festive sweaters are anything but ugly! Ugly Christmas Sweaters have become the basis for contests, work events and holiday get-togethers. They have even earned their own national holiday — the 3rd Friday in December, which falls on the 21st this year. Why not go out and purchase or make one and celebrate with your own festive sweater?

Harkening Back to the 80s

Ugly Christmas Sweaters are rooted in the 1980s, and were originally called Jingle Bell Sweaters. (Think Chevy Chase in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.) They typically feature bright patterns and colors and include reindeer, snowmen, mice, kittens and elves. Embellishments can include garland, bells, bows and even battery-operated electric lights.

A resurgence in the 1990s brought them back into popularity as a novelty. Mass retailers and boutiques started making these sweaters available at the holidays, and locally both Boscov’s and Kohl's will be carrying them. You can also search through second-hand, consignment and thrift stores such as local Goodwill Keystone Area locations to find original vintage sweaters. Their popularity has made the unique and interesting ones treasured finds.

If you are feeling crafty, you could also create your own with a plain sweater, garland and ornaments. Attach the decorations with a hot glue gun, Fabri-Tac adhesive or a needle and thread. Pinterest can provide you with plenty of inspiration. Let your imagination run wild! And you can wear your original creation knowing it’s a one-of-a-kind piece!

Whether you buy new, go vintage or make your own, wear your sweater with pride. Pick up a cup of eggnog and toast to the original Ugly Christmas Sweater model, Clark Griswold!