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Thursday, December 27, 2007
In defense of cheesy Christmas sweaters
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s time for my “cheesy” Christmas sweaters’ return to the attic.
A blue and white Rubbermaid tub awaits. It’s a sad ritual, like saying goodbye to friends you won’t see again for a year.
At last count I had about 20-25 sweaters, sweatshirts or turtlenecks bearing some sort of Christmas character, symbol or scene. It seems remarkable when I realize have never, ever purchased one. They’ve all been gifts or hand-me-downs. I guess I just look like the Christmas sweater type.
And, I admit, I am.
I have gained a reputation among famiy and friends as being one of few persons they know who is not embarrassed to wear Santa, snowmen, Nutcrackers, Christmas trees, Snoopy and Woodstock or wreath-bearing geese out in public. Some are adorned with beads, others with glitter, fringe or even bells. Some have socks to match.
With such a large assortment of Christmas attire, it is a challenge to wear all of them each season. The other day, realizing that time was running short, I did a three-for-one special - layering shirts and sweaters to get more in.
But I have come to realize that cheesy Christmas sweaters — and the people who wear them — have fallen below something to smile at condescendingly. We are now the brunt of Christmas jokes and the focus of satirical Christmas theme parties.
This year my 23-year-old daughter was invited to a “tacky Christmas sweater” party. She told all of her friends not to worry about finding something to wear — her mother had enough for everyone!
I read in the newspaper about an Ugly Christmas Sweater Holiday Social being held at a club in Atlanta last week.
At a holiday family reunion, my kids — including my 16- and 19-year-old boys — decided to lighten up the occasion by each wearing one of my sweatshirts. My relatives found it hilarious.
I’m not overly concerned, though. In fact, I think the cheesy Christmas sweater deserves a bit of defense.
Everyone knows that wardrobe affects your attitude and behavior. Just ask the Dress for Success folks. Or those who advocate uniforms for schools.
An article a couple of years back said Christmas sweaters are particularly popular among teachers or other types of “caregivers.” That makes sense, as those are people who are trying to be cheery and lift the spirits of others.
The article also said the South seems to be a leader in Christmas sweater sales. (I’m not sure what that implies.)
But if wearing a reindeer can boost my Christmas spirit — as well as bring a smile to those who see me —why should it matter if it is not in Vogue or on the fashion runways?
Or — thinking in reverse — what if no one wore cheesy Christmas sweaters? Would the holidays lose a bit of their punch?
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