Prince Frederick, MD – Several decades ago, the civilized world was visually exposed to a truly hideous aspect of what, up until then, was the most wonderful time of the year. No, we’re not talking about the Grinch. It seems the mass-production of an article of clothing called a “Jingle Bell Sweater” exploded into an industry of tacky Yuletide clothing.
Tacky fashion historians tell us the ugly sweater trend had its origins in the 1950s when less-offending sweaters depicting traditional aspects of Christmas became a popular gift for Dad, Gramps or some other hard-to-shop-for person.
“It’s hard to say who invented the ugly Christmas sweater,” stated writer Mary Bellis (that’s an interesting name) in a story last month for Thought Co. “As a matter of fact, we can presume that ugly sweaters were designed with the original intention of being fashionable.”
Leading the industry is a business that calls itself “Tipsy Elves.” The company declares on its web site “it’s not like you were going to make the nice list anyways.” Indeed, Tipsy Elves has a line of Yuletide clothing that includes neckties, socks and underwear, as well as sweaters.
Another clothier, Zazzle, makes T-shirts luridly depicting Santa Claus opening his red suit and the words “Flashing all the way.” They also make a necktie with a pattern of capital Ls within a circle with a red line across it (yup— “No L”). Still another business called Shinesty has an array of ugly Christmas suits.
On a positive note, the tacky Christmas clothes trend has yielded a special observance. Friday, Dec. 21 is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. The observance began in 2011 and always falls on the third Friday in December. Tipsy Elves is promoting the event, encouraging anyone with a garish Christmas sweater to “wear it to school, to work, to a funeral, to your sister’s wedding.” They are also teaming with Save the Children by donating a portion of their sweater sales to the nonprofit that aids children throughout the world better their lives through health, education and protection.
In Southern Maryland, there are at least three Ugly Sweater observance planned. Calvert Taphouse will hold and Ugly Christmas Sweater celebration Saturday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. There will be a private party held Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department. It is being hosted by The Connection, Inc. Visit their Facebook page for more information. The Rod ‘N’ Reel in Chesapeake Beach will have an Ugly Christmas Sweater party Friday, Dec. 21 featuring entertainer John Luskey.
It’s Christmas time and it’s chilly inside and freezing outside. So, grab that hideous Christmas sweater and put it on—stay warm, stay ugly!
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
