Ugly Holiday Sweater

Phyllis Irene Radford
December 19, 2025

UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATERS

The first time I heard about Ugly Holiday Sweaters happened when I watched Bridget Jones’ Diary. Colin Firth arrived to a party wearing a too-loosely-knit sweater his grandmother had made for him. Just for him. Only for him. Granny was in attendance, so he had to wear that sweater. We all groaned with him, knowing all too well that flush of embarassment accompanied by a well up of love because Granny loved him best and proved it with handmade gifts, No Matter How Ugly.

And a tradition was born.

Soon after, stores began carrying Ugly Christmas Sweater kits. A simple machine knit, crew neck sweater in red or green with appliques and bling the purchaser could apply at will as lopsided as desired.

Within a few years, those same stores began importing slightly nicer sweaters with… interesting… designs.

I was hooked. And now I add one to my wardrobe every year. Some are really cute choo choo trains. Others elegant snowflakes.

But I really prefer the silly and ostentatious sweaters that proclaim the JOY of the season, or poke holes in looming depression, whatever the season brings you, celebrate!