I loved my job, especially at Christmas time. Our "early-bird" hours started at 8:00, and I loved working that Friday after Thanksgiving with the all the hustle and bustle.
It was during this time, the 1980s, that I fell in love with Christmas sweaters. Beautifully hand-knitted 100% cotton, button-down sweaters and vests with appliqued Santas and snowmen. These sweaters were an endearing symbol of holiday cheer.
Then the 1990s hit, and these sweaters lost their appeal because only "old people" wore them. They were being tossed out to secondhand stores like sunflower seeds to birds. Somewhere in the 2000s, people began shopping in the secondhand stores, and these Christmas sweaters experienced a rebirth.
Only this time, it wasn't an endearing symbol of holiday cheer. It was a mockery of something I adored. We began seeing these sweaters worn at company Christmas parties and in the workplace. And yes, I still thought they were beautiful.
The appeal of Christmas sweaters has snowballed in recent years and the mockery has hit an all-time high. Now, manufactures are intentionally creating "ugly Christmas sweaters" in 100% itchy acrylic, and people of all ages are holding "Ugly Christmas Sweater" Days.
Call me old or literally "old-fashioned," but I refused to participate in Ugly Christmas Sweater Days. I think back to those retail days when life and shopping and Christmas sweater designs were beautifully simple, and I just. Can't. Do. It!
Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating a space to share our stories.
During the 80s, I longed for my own Christmas seater. Shopping on the days before and after Thanksgiving, in the early and late hours after the crowds left, I wanted the kinds of sweaters the sales people often wore - elegant embroidered and decorated sweaters that reflected the magic of the season. I finally bought myself one as the times were changing and they were no longer allowed in schools! Sigh...But once or twice a year, I found an occasion to wear my not-so-ugly sweater. In fact, tomorrow, I will haul it out to wear at a holiday gathering as we make cookies for Meals on Wheels recipients. It is NOT ugly. It is special and filled with memories of wanting one and finally getting a red and green bell adorned sweater...that will not make it to Goodwill until the end of my days,
ReplyDeleteI also never participated in this but I didnt think it through as clearly as you have here. Favorite line: “They were being tossed out to secondhand stores like sunflower seeds to birds. “
ReplyDeletePS- dont you imagine that many folks wearing their “ugly Christmas sweater” to the party actually love it?!
ReplyDeleteThis makes sense to me. I'm not an ugly Christmas sweater person either, but I do love fun Christmas sweaters (always have), so one thing I do love living in a warmer climate are the t-shirts and such that have the Christmas sweater design, especially the pop culture ones.
ReplyDelete