Ah, Christmas. That magical time when the world is filled with lights, Christmas carols, and…ugly sweaters? That’s how it is. What was once an awkward gift from your grandparents or a distant uncle has evolved into a Christmas tradition where excess is the key: the more extravagant, colorful and kitschy the sweater, the better! But how did these quirky sweaters go from being a source of shame hidden in the back of the closet to becoming a cultural phenomenon that is now proudly displayed?
© ITVThe origin of ‘ugly sweaters’
In the 80s and 90s, receiving a Christmas sweater as a gift was almost a punishmenteven if it came with the best of intentions (and a questionable fashion sense). It was opened, looked at, elicited a few laughs, and then put away, waiting for the moths to do their work. With their strident colors, wild-eyed reindeer and poorly drawn snowflakes, these peculiar garments quickly gained the reputation of being objects more feared than appreciated.
© chiaraferragniHowever, the 2000s arrived and with it the big change when someone decided that it was cool be uncool. A wave of theme parties called ‘Ugly Sweater Parties’ (Ugly Sweater Parties) began to become popular in the United States and quickly spread to the rest of the world. The idea was simple: the more ridiculous, the better. And the people went crazy. Designers were quick to join the trend, creating deliberately ugly clothes with LED lights and even sounds.
The pajamas turn
But sweaters are not alone in these Christmas holidays, the themed pajamas are also slowly claiming their place and we no longer only used them to sleep or to stay at home watching Netflix, now, Christmas pajamas are synonymous with family unity and they are almost mandatory for the annual Instagram photo. What family doesn’t want to look like a synchronized army of elves or penguins?
© willsmithCoordinated pajamas have taken Christmas to another level. From striped outfits to fleece jumpsuits with beanies Santa Claus, Families around the world are embracing comfort like never before and even great designers have turned this trend into a million-dollar business that has its best showcase on social networks.
© tamara_falcoThe Christmas spirit in fabric form
But why are we fascinated by this trend? Beyond the laughter and the ridiculous photos, there is something comforting about wearing clothes that embrace imperfection. In a world obsessed with perfection, a sweater with a furry reindeer or pajamas that make you look like a human candy cane reminds us that at Christmas anything goes.
© Getty ImagesFurthermore, these garments connect us with the nostalgia of the days when we were children and putting the Christmas tree or decorate the Nativity scene It was the most impressive thing in the world.
The evolution from a joke to a tradition
Today, the ugly sweater has its own day: the ‘National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day’, celebrated on the third Friday of December. International competitions are even organized to crown the most outlandish design. Meanwhile, Christmas pajamas have done something that few objects can: bring entire families together, even if it’s just for a photo.
© Getty ImagesWho would have thought that these garments, once a source of laughter or scorn, would become an icon of Christmas? So this year, don’t hide: take out your loudest sweater, your pajamas with impossible prints and embrace the Christmas spirit with humor and style. Because in the end, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like looking like a walking Christmas tree.