Each year on the third Friday of December, people around the world dig out their most eccentric, brightly decorated, and festive holiday sweaters to celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day. This tradition started as a playful way to honor the notoriously loud and quirky holiday attire commonly exchanged and worn during the winter months.
National Ugly Sweater Day has now evolved into a popular day where people proudly showcase their imaginative and over-the-top interpretation of holiday cheer.
History of National Ugly Sweater Day
Ugly holiday sweaters have enjoyed a surge of fame in recent years, and their popularity has even led to the more recent advent of National Ugly Sweater Day. This quirky trend started in the 80s, often associated with popular TV shows like “The Cosby Show” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Believe it or not, it was initially a serious style statement. However, over time, it evolved into this whimsical tradition we now know and love. The idea of throwing an “Ugly Sweater Party” first emerged in 2002, courtesy of Canadians Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch. They held the first of its kind in Vancouver, asking guests to don the most hideous holiday sweater they could find or create.
The concept of such parties caught on quickly. They became a festive trend, especially after the invention of social media. The term National Ugly Sweater Day appeared on the radar in 2011, thanks to the trendiness of hashtags on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Recognized on the third Friday of December each year, the day implores folks to wear their gaudiest Christmas sweaters.
This playful holiday began as simply a touch of humor. However, retailers spotted an opportunity, advertising an array of ‘ugly’ sweaters during the holiday season.
National Ugly Sweater Day Timeline
Sweaters Become Popular Clothing
Sweaters become increasingly popular during this period, becoming a common piece of clothing in both men’s and women’s fashion.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Trend Begins
The trend of 'ugly' holiday sweaters was mostly started by the TV show 'The Osmond’s Family Christmas' from back in 1980.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties
The popularity of 'ugly' Christmas sweaters surged, leading to the advent of ugly Christmas sweater parties.
Origin of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
A group of college students in Canada declare the third Friday of December as 'National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.'
Modern National Ugly Sweater Day
National Ugly Sweater Day is now recognized worldwide and celebrated as a chance for everyone to put on their holiday worst and share their unique holiday spirit.
Ideas to Celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day
Ugly Sweater Contest
Gather friends, family or coworkers and have everyone dress in their ugly sweaters. Have a contest to determine who has the ugliest sweater - the winner gets a prize!
Ugly Sweater Craft Party
Provide a bunch of plain sweaters and crafting supplies, invite your friends or family over, and get everyone to make their own ugly sweaters.
Ugly Sweater Decorating Workshop
Organize a workshop where people can get together and decorate their own ugly sweaters with ornaments, ribbons, and mismatched fabric.
Ugly Sweater Photo Shoot
Set up a photo booth or hire a professional photographer and have everyone come in their ugly sweaters for a fun and festive holiday photo shoot.
Ugly Sweater Fashion Show
Create a runway in your living room or office. Have everyone model their ugly sweater and strut their stuff down the runway. Audience applause determines the winner!
Ugly Sweater Themed Dinner Party
Have a dinner party where the dress code is ugly sweaters. To take it a step further, even the food and decorations could be in style of ugly holiday sweaters.
5 Interesting Facts About Ugly Sweaters *or sweaters in general)
Ugly Sweater Parties
The trend of hosting ugly sweater parties began in the early 2000s. The idea is to give people an opportunity to show off the gaudiest, most over-the-top holiday sweaters they can find.
Sweater Trends
Sweaters came into fashion in the Western world in the late 19th century. They were initially associated with physical activity and were typically worn by athletes in the early 20th century.
Sweaters Around the World
Sweaters are known by various names around the world. In British English, they are also referred to as ‘jumpers.’ In Canada, they are often called ‘jerseys’.
The Most Expensive Ugly Sweater
The most expensive ugly Christmas sweater retails at a whopping $90,000. The sweater, encrusted with 50 carats of diamonds and 250 grams of gold, was designed by 2 Chainz.
Hand Knitted Sweaters
Hand knitted sweaters were initially made by wives and mothers for their seafaring husbands and sons to protect them from the elements. These sweaters were tightly knitted to make them virtually water tight.
National Ugly Sweater Day FAQs
Next National Ugly Sweater Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 15th | Friday |
| 2024 | December 20th | Friday |
| 2025 | December 19th | Friday |
| 2026 | December 18th | Friday |
| 2027 | December 17th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Third Friday of December | |
National Ugly Sweater Day Word Search
- Ugly
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- December