Show Your True Holiday Spirit – The Ugly Christmas Sweater.

  Truly, nothing says Christmas like a really good (erm…bad) Christmas Sweater. I know, historically it was the gift we all dreaded most (right after fruit cake). We would try to hide our revulsion as we pulled out the acrylic blend monstrosity from the box. A tribute to multi-colored tackiness with bright patterns and Christmas images, you’d politely thank your Grandma, Great Aunt, crafty friend for the gift and before the Turkey hit the table the sweater would disappear in the back of your closet (under the bed, anywhere unseen) forever. But I say bah-humbug to that. Pull out that sweater and don it with pride.

Today is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. What better way to show your holiday spirit in all its over-the-top glory. A great holiday sweater gift says you have a sense of humor and shows how much you love the Holidays. Wear it to work, to school, to go shopping and see how it makes the people around you smile. Like dogs in people clothes, it may be tacky, but you can’t help but laugh. In fact, why not get your pet a Christmas sweater too?

And truly, an ugly Christmas sweater has become the hip gift to give. Everyone is buying ugly Christmas sweaters and giving them as gifts. Once relegated to the racks of Goodwill and Thrift stores, Ugly Christmas sweaters can now be found in some of the trendiest shops and there is a flood of them online. Personally I still advocate for the thrift store buy because the proceeds often supports local charities. It just adds to the spirit. Or, if you are the crafty friend, why not make your own?

And speaking of spirit, why not help a local charity by throwing an ugly Christmas sweater party. Ask friends, family and co-workers to wear their tackiest sweater to your party and bring a small donation. Hold a vote for the tackiest sweater and the donations go to the charity of their choice. Between the sweaters and the giving, the spirit will overflow. To all our readers’ customers and friends, we here at Strathcom wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year. By Adrienne Hill