Thursday, December 17, 2009

What's wrong with Christmas sweaters?

Whenever I read about fashion (which is rare as I don't really care, unless I have to dress up for work), I see tips like this one made by Amy Alkon:

Avoid Christmas sweaters at all cost. If you have one, burn it, so you can ensure that you will never be drunk enough to put it on. Oh, sorry -- considering what they're usually made of, make that "melt it in a well-ventilated area."

Okay, I can understand not wanting to wear a Christmas sweater like this onebut is this one so bad? I think it is festive and nice. I admit having given something similar to someone for a gift years ago. Am I a bad person for doing so? Yes, according to Manolo, the shoe blogger, who says:

So, listen to the advice of the Manolo, and make this the season of joy by giving your holiday sweaters to the garbage man.


Do you wear Christmas clothing--sweaters, sweatshirts etc.? Or, do you consider it a fashion faux pas like so many others?

76 Comments:

Blogger tim said...

Dear Dr. Helen; I live in Maine. My Mom sends me very nice all-wool, subdued color sweaters that she finds for peanuts in Florida, where they live. I very much appreciate this, and have work sweaters, casual sweaters, dress sweaters, etc. No one wears suits here unless they have to. Today, it 6 degrees F with a 20 mph wind. I like my sweaters, many of which have come at Christmas. If you live where there is a real winter, sweaters are cool (haha).

7:16 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Debbie said...

No Christmas sweatshirts! But I do have some subdued Christmas type sweaters that I wear, just to make the progeny roll their eyes.

7:23 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Helen said...

tim,

If I lived in Maine, I would wear whatever warm sweater came my way.

Debbie,

There should be a special pass on holiday sweaters for embarrassing kids, it's our job as parents, after all.

8:06 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Michael Haz said...

I live in southern Wisconsin and spend winter vacation time in a cabin in northern Wisconsin. It's cold here.

My winter wardrobe needs are simple: Warmth, and on occasion, stylish.

Having said that, I won't wear a Christmas sweater, at least in public. A Christmas sweater, especially on a man, makes a statement. And that statement is usually: The guy wearing this sweater is a dork.

Christmas sweaters that I have received as gifts find their way to Goodwill after an appropriate waiting period. I may even send the gifter a photo of me wearing the sweater, but then, poof! It's gone.

Thank heavens for polar fleece. It's hard to mess it up with Christmas-y decorations.

8:30 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Bob Sorensen said...

Nothing wrong with the good ones, but they are not "me", or the image that I want to present. Anyone else who has fun with that kind of thing, great!

On the other hand, I send out all kinds of pro-Christmas e-mail (dare to say the "C" word, plus less activist material).

10:21 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Obi-Wandreas, The Funky Viking said...

I won't do a sweater. From here on in, however, it's nothing but Christmas ties. Some are a subtle snowman or christmas tree pattern. Other scream Christmas. It's all I do, apparel-wise, but I do it religiously.

I used to wear a Santa hat all the time, but since I became a teacher I stopped. The last thing some little kid needs is to hear Santa yelling at someone.

10:27 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Ern said...

I don't have any Christmas clothing, largely because I won't spend money on clothing that I can wear only a few weeks (if that) of the year. If one of my friends or relatives gave me some Christmas clothing, I'd probably wear it. Of course, I also use a coffee mug in the shape of Daffy Duck that I received at one of those Christmas gift exchanges where you take a number.

10:42 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Michael E. Lopez said...

I just reached the age of wanting Christmas Sweaters.

I'll leave it as an exercise for the reader to determine exactly what that age is.

11:05 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Bill said...

I think Amy's take was a little over the top, and I'm careful never to give too much credence to Manalo.

I don't mind the occasional Christmas sweater, particularly when worn to a Christmas party or during the week before Christmas vacation. Particularly if they are low key.

Bill

11:19 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11:40 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Dr.Alistair said...

another nail in the consumerist coffin as far as i`m concerned.

i saw an suv with reindeer antlers and a red nose on the front the other day, and my first thought was @#%$^%%^*&*%&, but i restrained myself because my girlfriend was in the car with me at the time and so i said, look honey, isn`t that cute?

though andrea boccelli singing to puppets on tv is ultracrap....and i have to watch what i say when she`s watching christmas stuff because she is such a kid this time of year and i don`t want to hurt her feelings.

but if she wants me to wear a christmas sweater i will leave her.

11:52 AM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Rachel said...

I don't have a Christmas sweater since I live in Arizona, southern Arizona, but I do have Christmas earrings I wear this time of year. Personally, I'm very tired of the sneering of people who wouldn't be caught dead in tacky clothes since one person's tacky is another person's fun/happy/cute/etc. I think of them as fashion fascists.

As far as I'm concerned you can have pink flamingos in your front yard and I'll love them, because you do. I'm also one of the fashion impaired so even when I try to look 'professional' it doesn't really come off. I would rather wear something that makes me happy than something that meets the approval of others (I'm still upset that I can't wear shorts to work . . . when it's 110 degrees!)

12:43 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

Sweaters may work for women, but for a man there is no piece of clothing that make's him look more nuetered and kept than a @$&%@% sweater. Second in line would be a mini-van. Sweaters are just so queer and a 'Christmas' sweater just screams LOSER.

1:46 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger TMink said...

I must concur with the other commenters about Christmas sweaters not really working on a man. But for women, they can work if you are willing to accept that they make you look at least a little matronly, but probably more than a little.

If you are fine with that, then wear them. I do not think Ms. Alkon goes for that look or would feel at all comfortable with it, so she exchews the holiday garb.

Trey

2:19 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

I have a cardigan sweater that I wear around Christmas time. It's mostly dark green, which looks fabulous with my auburn hair and really sets off my green eyes. It's a patchwork of Christmas and winter motifs in subdued reds, greens, off-white and blues. I get raving compliments every time I wear it. I may wear it tomorrow for my last day at work before taking next week off.

I really couldn't care less what the fashionistas say about various items of clothing, and whether they are tacky or not. I wear what *I* like and feel good in, not what some Hollywood or New York snob says I should.

I am also greatly looking forward to being of an age when I really can go all out with flair in fashion ... purple hats, white shoes in winter, "dusters" out in public!

Oh and Helen, sorry I've not kept in touch .. EF is "good", no damage or other problems seen, only some disrhythmia possibly related to a murmur that's been around since 1993. It's just wait and see now ...

2:52 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

3:11 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"I really couldn't care less what the fashionistas say about various items of clothing, and whether they are tacky or not. I wear what *I* like and feel good in"

That seems to be the running theme with American women nowadays- "I don't care - I do what I WANT." Sounds exactly like 8-year old Cartman from South Park.

3:29 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

It would appear that Reality2010 would rather see women mindlessly obeying the fashion overlords rather than think for themselves. A brief glimpse into the rage that dwells within him explains a lot.

Sorry, dude. I have a mind of my own, and I use it to determine how I live my own life. I am a woman, not a sheep.

3:37 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"Sorry, dude. I have a mind of my own, and I use it to determine how I live my own life. I am a woman, not a sheep."

No, you're not a woman, mentally you're an 8-year old child. And the term 'dude' went out in the 80's.

3:45 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

Helen, where DO you find such interesting contributors?

Reality2010, you know nothing about me. Your bigotry and hatred are all you know. What a pitiful creature you must be.

No wonder you are so angry at women. No intelligent or self-respecting women would have anything to do with someone like you. It's not them, Sparky. It's you. It's ALL you. All your failures, all your disappointments. You really shouldn't blame anyone but yourself. Then you could actually DO something to change your situation, instead of just sitting there griping about it, and being hateful to everyone around you.

(And again, I am no slave or sheep to trends or fashions, in either clothing or vocabulary ... I wear the clothes and use the words *I* choose to. Isn't that just groovy?)

Peace out. Dude.

4:02 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Dr.Alistair said...

some look good dressed fashionably or professionally, others only manage to go from one form of unmade bed to another.

you do have to spend a bit to look crisp also. here`s a tip; goodwill. just don`t tell anyone where you got the nygaard jacket....

and about impressions; care or not, they are still impressions. and the impression you give people about your public appearance is always accurate. if you don`t give a shit, then be honest, but don`t please criticise others for being concerned for thier look, professionally or otherwise, because it`s all part of our social currency.

personally i like the jeans and jacket look, but if i`m going to present to a corporate type i break out the wool two piece and polish my shoes....


...and no christmas sweaters. ever.

what am i wearing while typing?

grey underarmour t-shirt and khaki shorts.

this evening i will be wearing american eagle boot-cut jeans, collared shirt and pointy morroccan shoes and a freaking killer charcoal brooks brothers jacket that i bought from the goodwill store here in town for $8.

i`m lucky that i fit a 46 tall jacket.

4:13 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"Your bigotry and hatred are all you know. What a pitiful creature you must be.

No wonder you are so angry at women. No intelligent or self-respecting women would have anything to do with someone like you. It's not them"

The only person who sounds angry is you.

"All your failures, all your disappointments. You really shouldn't blame anyone but yourself. Then you could actually DO something to change your situation, instead of just sitting there griping about it, and being hateful to everyone around you."

Whoa! A bit of classic 'projection.' Who is it you have in mind.. hm? Would that be your current bf or your (ex)husband who you drove away with your highly toxic personality and infantile temper tuntrums?

4:21 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

LOL! How amusing you are. And so spectacularly clueless too! So cute ... a male version of the raging, angry feminist. A masculinist? I have not the time nor tolerance for either gender of this angry, ugly, hate-filled agenda.

And since it was you that launched this hate-filled attack on me, without provocation, it appears that it is you that is doing the projection of your own toxic rage onto others here, and probably everywhere you go. Shades of narcissism there, some sociopathic tendencies as well, I see. I hope you are getting professional help to deal with this. Better yet, spiritual help as well.

FYI, I am happily married to a wonderful man who is as in love with me as I am with him. We have truly been blessed in our marriage. My wish is for everyone to know this kind of joy and contentment.

I will pray for the healing of your tortured soul. So sad ... but instead of continuing to feed your need for attention here, I will no longer respond to your hate and anger.

4:38 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Francis W. Porretto said...

I have no knowledge of the traditions of "the Manolo," but I severely doubt that celebrated anti-theist Amy Alkon celebrates Christmas in any form.

Who knows, maybe Alkon celebrates "winter solstice" and erects a "holiday tree." In any case, I'll keep my Christmas sweaters -- and I'll wear them as and when I please.

4:52 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"And since it was you that launched this hate-filled attack"

It's an astute observation that has about as much to do with me as a tree in a tornado.

"Shades of narcissism there, some sociopathic tendencies as well, I see. I hope you are getting professional help to deal with this."

A mix of trademark trash TV - Oprah & Oxygen mixed in with some
Lifetime for good measure.

"FYI, I am happily married to a wonderful man who is as in love with me as I am with him. We have truly been blessed in our marriage. My wish is for everyone to know this kind of joy and contentment."

God help your husband. You sound exactly like a female cousin of mine who's entire existence is a house of cards wrapped up in her forced insistence that her life is so perfect and happy.. but everyone who's dealt with her in the family has found she's a god-forsaken monster - a monster in a very nice big house - but a monster nonetheless. And her husband is a hopeless mangina- and no one invites her to anything and avoids her like Herpes.

Is that you Kelly? lol

And btw, you also have the mind of an 8 year old child like she does.

4:56 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

@Francis ... now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! Rock on, dude!

(Now why in the world am I, a woman, attacked for living and dressing as I please, while you, a man, are not? Very telling ... I guess for some, the mindless, robot bimbo is attractive, and a strong, mature woman is threatening.)

5:04 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"... strong, mature woman is threatening.)"

You haven't the faintest clue.. replace the word 'threatening' with 'repulsive.' Or imagine a turd. There's nothing 'threatening' about a turd.

5:24 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger TMink said...

Lisakay, how ya doing? I just wanted to say hello and thank you for stopping by. This is an interesting place at times!

For the record, I think that people who make up their own mind about fashion show a certain strength. It has never struck me as a sign of virulent narcissism.

Not many people have typed anything for awhile, because we have been around long enough to know that once we do, the vortex will turn our way. And it is annoying. But what the heck, you have been the target for awhile, so maybe it is someone else's turn. Maybe even mine.

Have a great Christmas. I hope you stop by again.

Trey

6:17 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"Lisakay, how ya doing?"

Ah... isn't that cute. Well I guess even Charles Manson needs a hug sometimes.

6:23 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger TMink said...

Like I said, maybe even mine. 8)

Trey

6:50 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Brother J said...

I'd rather wear the Christmas fruitcake than wear a Christmas sweater.

6:59 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger bmmg39 said...

"Reality"2010: "Sweaters may work for women, but for a man there is no piece of clothing that make's him look more nuetered and kept than a @$&%@% sweater."

Is this another one of those fashion rules someone just pulled right out of his keester?

The only holiday I wear anything special for is Halloween, and that's because it's a dress-up day. But if you want to wear a Christmas sweater or a Kwanzaa scarf or a Hanukkah top hat or a Ramadan belt or a Winter Solstice pair of baby-blue socks, you go right on ahead. I've got no problem with it.

8:15 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"Is this another one of those fashion rules someone just pulled right out of his keester?"

No, it's what happens to any man you see wearing that crap. It's like Raid to women- it says, 'my days of sex are over' to women.

Of course if you want to ask someone about the 'rules' I suggest you ask a female.

9:30 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger SteveinTX said...

@Reality,

It looks like all that you are missing is "must be gay" or "small penis to have a BINGO! several ways.

http://antifeministtech.blogspot.com/2009/11/fembot-bingo.html

Good thing she's not just another sheep ,huh?

SteveinTX

10:19 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger SteveinTX said...

@Reality,

It looks like all that you are missing is "must be gay" or "small penis to have a BINGO! several ways.

http://antifeministtech.blogspot.com/2009/11/fembot-bingo.html

Good thing she's not just another sheep ,huh?

SteveinTX

10:19 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

@Trey ... Merry Christmas to you too! This new denizen of Helen's place is quite the character, eh? He reminds me of one of those crazy, enraged chihuahuas that snarls and snaps at anyone that comes near. Amusing for a few moments, but ultimately annoying and completely worthless. If this guy is really for real, he is in desperate need of professional help. If this is a put-on, to make a point of some sort, this person is beyond any kind of help, and really should just be locked up.

@Steve ... Your blog headline:

A blog about how technology will lead to men being liberated from feminism and related issues

I hope that tech will lead to women being liberated from feminism too!

10:55 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"It looks like all that you are missing is "must be gay" or "small penis to have a BINGO! several ways."

No, SteveinTx- I could never hope to dream of matching the hyper gayness of your cookie-cutter suburban dinner party wit.

11:50 PM, December 17, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"If this guy is really for real, he is in desperate need of professional help. If this is a put-on, to make a point of some sort, this person is beyond any kind of help, and really should just be locked up."

All of this from someone with a woefully artificial sense of superiority (superior as to how.. no one knows of course) who exploded for being criticized for her 8-year old infantile perspective on life.

Which you are still doing, bizarrely- somehow this means I simply must be 'mentally insane' to 'dare question you.'

Haha, Gentlemen reading this: This screams 'entitlement bitch' and 'zero accountability' & you can be assured that Hell's address is for husband (and children if she has any).

And by the way, oh I'm for 'real' all right... perhaps you didn't notice the name. And just like Reality itself, I've been here all along. I've been coming to this blog everyday for years- long before you. I simply haven't commented in a while.

12:08 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger LissaKay said...

Wow ... what color is the sky in YOUR universe, DUDE?

Please tell me this is parody. It has to be. No one honestly be this delusional and out of touch with reality, anonymous name not withstanding.

This is really a hoot. You're for real? You really think like that?

You really think you've made me mad or something? LOL, that's too funny. I am laughing at you! You ascribe way too much importance to yourself. You project all kinds of wacky attributes to me, and you know nothing more about me than the fact that I own a Christmas sweater and I don't blindly follow the fashion trends - I think for myself.

Such a pitiful little man, eaten up by your rage and anger at your impotence (not to be confused with importance!) in the presence of strong, mature, well-adjusted men and women.

You're a blog troll, nothing more. A common garden slug could claim superiority to that.

Helen is a lovely person, one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet ... she does not deserve to have your filth stinking up her website. You really should look into getting a life or something, get away from the computer and learn how to live outside of your anger. Or one way or another, it will kill you.

12:33 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"You really think like that?"

It's not what I 'think,' it's what I observe that's right in front of my face and everyone else's.

"..and you know nothing more about me than the fact that I own a Christmas sweater and I don't blindly follow the fashion trends - I think for myself."

I know more than enough. Your lunatic ramblings & clawings speak volumes. And you've never had an original thought in your life.

".. eaten up by your rage and anger at your impotence.."

I haven't said anything out anger, but you haven't stopped saying everything out of anger. And then you simply attempt to push buttons as you do with the maginas in your life.. but I don't have any 'buttons' to 'push' -so you simply keep repeating your 'shaming' language that has always worked on your wimpering husband.. over & over because now you have no idea what to do. It's your 1st introduction to a real man.

"Helen is a lovely person, one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet ... she does not deserve to have your filth stinking up her website."

This doesn't have anything to do with Helen and this is not a website, this is a blog & what I'm saying isn't 'filthy.'

It must be exhausting to be that wrong all the time, every day, all day long. But being constantly wrong is the least of your problems.. you're greatest shortcoming is that you are banal, predictable and excruciatingly ordinary.

1:02 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Chad Chandler said...

This is terrible advice. I'm going to a tacky Christmas sweater party tomorrow night. If everyone threw their sweaters in the trash, I wouldn't be able to buy one at the thrift store.

8:34 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Radish said...

I really couldn't care less what the fashionistas say about various items of clothing, and whether they are tacky or not. I wear what *I* like and feel good in, not what some Hollywood or New York snob says I should.

+1. Mindless conformity to magazines diktats strikes me as sad, especially when the current trends don't reflect their personality or flatter their skin tone or body shape. (Not to mention desperate need for peer-approval of sartorial choices reeks of high school.)

I don't own any Christmas sweaters, but I do love wearing my Grinch sweatshirt when I am forced into the maul or other retail establishments this time of year. It's not meant to be style, it's meant to be commentary.

9:02 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger liz said...

I love a flashy, overdecorated Christmas sweater just like I love a giant stacked wedge haircut with big, shiny earrings and a ton of makeup and some shoulder pads or a smokin' hot pair of stirrup pants and a long sweater with color-coordinated flats, but I don't wear any of them right now because they are out of fashion and I would be ridiculed for wearing them. The other night I wore a black sweater dress, black leggings and black boots to a party. Boring! but I got a lot of compliments on how great I looked.

People laugh at how they looked in the fashion of the day, but I look at pictures from the past and think how fun the outfits were and how much fun I was having when I was wearing them.

9:18 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Peg C. said...

I'm not fond of Christmas sweaters (or any holiday clothing) because you're too restricted on when you can wear it. If I like clothing, I want to be able to wear it whenever. For me, seasonal clothing is better (I have fall and winter patterned turtlenecks and sweaters that I love and trot out every year). I am totally pro-Christmas, it's just a limiting thing I don't like with clothing.

Also, if you give a Christmas sweater as a Christmas gift, when are they going to wear it? 11 months later? To make these kinds of gifts useful, they really have to be given a month ahead of Christmas.

9:25 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Joan said...

My big problem with most Christmas sweaters -- the ones with the snowmen, angels, whatnot all over them -- is that the patterns and colors are usually juvenile, and there's something sad to me about grown people wearing clothing that looks like it was designed for children.

OTOH (isn't there always another hand?) I've seen gorgeous sweaters with snowflake motifs or other adult colors and patterns that could be considered Christmas-y, but are definitely adult, and I even owned a couple when I lived in Massachusetts.

9:43 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger TMink said...

"No one honestly be this delusional and out of touch with reality, anonymous name not withstanding."

Honestly, he is not the only one. These last few posts have been perhaps the worst examples, but he is not alone. More will likely surface.

Trey

9:47 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger mishu said...

"No, SteveinTx- I could never hope to dream of matching the hyper gayness of your cookie-cutter suburban dinner party wit."

Oh yeah! Another snooty, coastal, urban tyrant. My we don't see many of these around, except in Congress. You're not winning hearts and minds here... dude!

9:55 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Unknown said...

With very few exceptions (and that one linked at Amazon is NOT one of them) Christmas-y sweaters and sweatshirts send the very clear message - "I have abandoned any vestiges of sexuality and surrended to frump-itude."

If the only image you are interested in projecting is that of a grandma or grandpa (and there's nothing wrong with that) then these sweaters are perfectly fine.

At 45 I am not ready to send that message, however, and have told my SO if he sees me in anything that matronly he should just shoot me and get it over with.

9:58 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Name said...

How is it this, a fluffy post about ridiculous clothing, became such a nasty argument?

For the record, I hold such garments to be appropriate for grade-school teachers and grandmothers.

I have seen tasteful, kitsch-free knits (Coldwater Creek, R.L.), but more often then not the adornment is on the garish side.
Then again, I have a large ring through my nose, so who am I to say?

10:09 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Edmund Ironside said...

Is it just me, or is there a tidal wave of jaundiced, po-faced cynicism washing across America? Even brightly-coloured sweaters are only 'garish' in the eye of the beholder. To others, they are jolly, joyful and seasonally pleasurable! Is there just no place left in the world for simple, unadorned naive joy?

10:36 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger mishu said...

At 45 I am not ready to send that message, however, and have told my SO if he sees me in anything that matronly he should just shoot me and get it over with.

You know the sweater is removable. I'm sure your SO could figure that out. Do you always dress like you're ready for the sack? Lighten up.

11:21 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Unknown said...

There's a large gray area between dressing like you are "ready for the sack" and dressing like you are ready for the nursing home. I dress quite conservatively - but I don't dress like I have given up on being a sexual being, either.

Yeah, my SO knows how to get the clothes off - MY job is to make myself attractive enough that he wants to. And wearing something he can imagine his elderly mom wearing does not really make the grade.

Not sure in what way I need to "lighten up" since I am only talking about my perceptions and choices. Other people's choices are their own, but the original post asked for exactly the answer I gave.

11:29 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Unknown said...

I've never seen anyone wearing a Christmas sweater that wasn't in a good mood. Some things are better than being fashionable.

11:53 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Sokmnkee said...

I hold myself to different clothing standards than other people. If others want to wear Christmas sweaters and/or sweatshirts, so be it. However, I personally find them schoolmarmy and a little dorky and wouldn't be caught dead in one. I have a great holiday alternative involving them though. Throw and "ugly sweater" party and everyone has to be wearing such an item to attend. Could be fun.

11:57 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger halojones-fan said...

"My big problem with most Christmas sweaters -- the ones with the snowmen, angels, whatnot all over them -- is that the patterns and colors are usually juvenile, and there's something sad to me about grown people wearing clothing that looks like it was designed for children."

If you're looking at Christmas-themed clothing and your first thought is whether or not it's fashionable, then you're doing it wrong.

11:58 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Unknown said...

I've never seen anyone wearing a Christmas sweater that wasn't in a good mood. Some things are better than being fashionable.

I was unaware these things were mutually exclusive.

I have never seen anybody wearing an elf costume that was not in a good mood either, but that does not mean I want to wear one myself.

11:58 AM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Zerosumgame said...

I'm wondering if Amy Alkon's taking a swipe at "Christmas sweaters" is really her taking an indirect swipe at Glen Beck.

12:06 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Peter G. Miller said...

Hi --

My father-in-law, a minister, seemed to believe that "holiday" items usually missed the point of the, er, holiday, that was allegedly being celebrated.

And, for fun, I have posted:

How America Got Its First Christmas Tree.

You might be surprised by this story.

All the best -- and season's greetings to all.

Peter G. Miller

1:37 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Chip Ahoy said...

but is this one so bad?

Yes, Dr. Helen, it is so bad. Manolo is 100% correct.

3:25 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Kimberly said...

Sorry, Dr. Helen - I have to agree with Manolo. Christmas sweaters are kitschy, gaudy, and, frankly, unflattering on 99% of the human race. They should go in that pile of clothes that is marked "No one over 5 or under 65 should wear these in public," a pile that includes oversized sweatshirts and Crocs.

3:57 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Kimberly said...

Sorry, Dr. Helen - I have to agree with Manolo. Christmas sweaters are kitschy, gaudy, and, frankly, unflattering on 99% of the human race. They should go in that pile of clothes that is marked "No one over 5 or under 65 should wear these in public," a pile that includes oversized sweatshirts and Crocs.

3:57 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger H. said...

I am extremely unlikely to wear a Christmas sweater, not because I think they're tacky, but because I don't like to wear flashy and/or highly embroidered clothes. Also because, in the past, I have tended to forget I owned such garments since they spend the rest of the year under or behind everything else.

If someone else wants to wear a holiday sweater, that's fine by me.

Unless it makes noise. Then it must burn.

4:02 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Shanna said...

Most christmas sweaters are tacky and remind me very strongly of schoolteachers, but if you are the kind of person who likes them, go for it! I very occasionally see one I think is cute, mostly stuff with snowflakes.

4:09 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Cham said...

If you are choosing to wear a bright red oversized sweater with jingle bells on it, and a 3 dimensional snow man, I assume you are trying to convey a message about what you want people to believe about you. That message would be: I'm a jolly grandmother who likes to bake cookies, spend time with grandkids, and be as asexual as possible. I get your message very loud and clear, that doesn't necessarily mean I believe it. You can feel free to wear your sweaters and, conveniently, I can feel free to avoid you. If you have to hit people over the head with your perception of your self-image I think there might be something wrong with you. This goes for multiple tats, piercings and people who have those weirdo flags hanging outside their homes. Subtlety goes a long way.

5:29 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger AC245 said...

From a Reality2010 blog post that he resurrected:

"What in the HELL happened to women?!?

How did they go from this.... [image] ...to some thing that makes you want to puke... [image] ... as well as the most psychotic, dumbed down, violent, worthless, boozing STD infested whores in all of human history... [image] ... in just one generation?

-snip-

Honestly ask yourself as a guy, if it wasn't for sex would you REALLY want anything to do with these train wrecks? Honestly. Sex is all very pleasant but the actual REALITY of living with the U.S. female today is just unbearable. They fall into two categories.. the outrageous slut and the MONSTER BITCH.
"

LissaKay pegged you accurately from the get-go. You're vile.

(And I don't even like Christmas sweaters.)

8:09 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger DADvocate said...

No Christmas sweaters here, but my mother has a different one for every day in December. I might put on a red or green polo shirt on Christmas day.

9:23 PM, December 18, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

"LissaKay pegged you accurately from the get-go. You're vile."

If one studies history (obviously you're not educated enough to fall into this category- you will find that knuckle draggers murdered the messenger).

That is what best describes you: 'Early' Man.

3:10 AM, December 19, 2009  
Blogger Reality2010 said...

In other words.. you're a cockroach .. like all of your female contemporaries.

3:12 AM, December 19, 2009  
Blogger TMink said...

Some people just do not know when they are beat. After an asswhipping like you just got I thought that surely you would acknowledge the loss and leave or at least change your name or something. I thought you had that much sense and dignity.

My bad.

Another one makes it to the do not read list.

Trey

8:49 AM, December 19, 2009  
Blogger dementofan said...

I wouldn't give one to someone unless I knew for sure they liked that sort of thing.

Wearing a Christmas sweater is fine by me--when somebody else is wearing it!

4:45 PM, December 19, 2009  
Blogger bmmg39 said...

Yvette: "There's a large gray area between dressing like you are 'ready for the sack' and dressing like you are ready for the nursing home. I dress quite conservatively - but I don't dress like I have given up on being a sexual being, either."

Sexual beings are so annoying...

I wasn't into Christmas sweaters before this thread began, but, after reading the dismissive comments about five-year-olds, grandmothers, and schoolteachers, I think I'll go put on one of my SESAME STREET T-shirts. I'd rather look like a five-year-old, a grandfather, or a schoolteacher than someone emitting the message, "See what I'm wearing? This means I'm a stylish, sexual ADULT!" [yawn]

11:43 PM, December 19, 2009  
Blogger Peter G. Miller said...

There is actually an UglyChristmasSweaterShop website.

I'm not sure if this site is a convenience or a commentary....

All the best,

Peter G. Miller
OurBroker.com

11:31 AM, December 20, 2009  
Blogger Rich Hailey said...

Hey Helen! Merry Christmas to you and Glenn!

Like my wife, LissaKay, I wear what I like. Contrary to many of the opinions here, I like sweaters. They are comfortable; they look good on me, and they make it easier to carry concealed.

One of the more interesting arguments I've read here is that wearing a sweater eliminates all masculine sex appeal. Sounds like that might be more of a problem with the person inside the sweater than with the sweater itself since I've not noticed any issues in that department when fall and winter roll around and the sweaters come out of storage.

As for Christmas sweaters, while I don't currently have one, I wouldn't have trouble wearing one that I liked, or that made my wife happy. I guess it just takes a certain amount of confidence in your masculinity to wear a Christmas sweater, and some guys have trouble measuring up to the challenge.

Right, Reality2010?

6:03 PM, December 20, 2009  
Blogger Derve Swanson said...

I think if you're judging others on what they wear -- particularly if it looks like they are making an effort to be colorful and jolly during the dark times -- then you are missing the point of Christmas.

Basically, I think if you're in an environment with other Christians celebrating the holiday, you're good.

If you're in mixed company -- with non-believers, confused believers, other faith believers etc -- then you might want to take care how you're being judged. Just like you have to censor your Christmas greetings, lest you be taken the wrong way in your happiness, so you might want to tone down the dress.

But in amongst your own family, friends and crowd who loves you for you, not for your sweaters? Use your instincts not only on what flatters you, but what will bring a smile to the faces of those whose eyeballs will cross your chest. Amongst kids? Bright and sparkly wins! Amongst family? The customized ones with Nana's Snowflakes are big hits with the chosen ones on the shirt.

Lighten up and don't worry about what others think. Wear what makes YOU happy if it's within bounds of venue. Good advice for any season, I would think.

9:51 PM, December 20, 2009  
Blogger Derve Swanson said...

ps. Yes, about 8 years ago I invested in a beautiful sweater, with "danglies" sewed on. Wear it every few years or so, so it doesn't become habit and seems "new" each time. The kids do like it especially.

Plus, although it cost a lot (for me) and is hard to clean (I wear a collared shirt underneath), I'm hoping to get enough wear out of it at Christmas gatherings over the years to justify the investment.

9:53 PM, December 20, 2009  
Blogger crunchycon said...

I wore Christmas sweaters years ago and now cringe at what I used to wear; I now relegate my holiday wear to Christmas socks (which my mom always slips into my stocking every year.

6:25 AM, December 21, 2009  

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