Hey everyone! This post is going to be a little less informative and a lot more fun :) Of course, it will still tie into wellness and healthy living!
I recently created a social media post of me in an ugly Christmas sweater and Santa riding on llama socks (generously gifted to me by a fabulous co-worker who knows me and my partner's love for llamas). I was unaware of the huge response from my followers. I believe this post has gotten more reactions and comments through my social media accounts than any other post I've shared. I thought I should take a "time-out" from my informative post to write about ugly Christmas Sweaters because, my friends, people seem to love them!
I feel my whole week has been about ugly Christmas sweaters. We've talked about them at work and of course, you can see many teachers wearing them every day. Being an elementary teacher, the kids love it! I've heard talk from teachers about how many they have and they don't know which one to wear or do I really need a new one? Of course, you do! Wear one every day of December if you have that many, just go for it! And of course, you need a new one, why not? They come out with different ones each year. Who doesn't love going to their work's ugly Christmas sweater day (you know you have one :))with a brand new one? I mean even the Grinch wore an ugly Christmas sweater!
History of the Ugly Christmas Sweater
No one really knows who invented the sweater. It is said they were made to be fashionable but they were deemed "ugly" because of the always-changing fashion trends. My guess is the person who invented them didn't want to say they did because they were considered ugly.
Anyways, the sweater is inspired by the '80s, first being named "jingle bell sweaters." They started out as just cardigans, the ones that button down the front and then, blossomed into the wonderfulness they are now. I mean, we have ugly Christmas Sweater competitions now. Who has the "ugliest?" OR the one with the most Christmasy stuff on it...
What If I Don't Like Ugly Christmas Sweaters?
You may not like the texture of the sweaters or you may not like things popping out of the sweater because they get in the way. I get it! You can still participate in the fun! They make sweaters with different materials now so you don't get the itchiness and they also make Christmas t-shirts! I remember going to an ugly Christmas Sweater party and felt pressure to get a legit one. But I couldn't do it. I have those texture issues and I couldn't wear one because they were soooo itchy! I can't remember exactly what I did but I think I ended up wearing a headband with reindeer antlers instead so I wouldn't have to deal with being uncomfortable.
But you don't have to do that anymore! Christmas t-shirts have funny Christmas movie sayings on them... how perfect is that! Movies such as A Christmas Story, Elf, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation.
Don't feel pressure from others if you don't like ugly Christmas sweaters. Don't wear one if you don't want to. You do you, always! There are alternatives for you. Do what makes you comfortable :) And make sure you are having fun, too! Your way, not to fit in with others!
How Does This Tie Into Wellness?
Now, you're probably thinking, Ashley how in the world does wearing an ugly Christmas sweater tie into wellness? I think your mind is filled with too many gingerbread cookies or lately... cinnamon rolls!
I know Christmas can be a stressful time of year. But it can also be the most joyful time of year but ONLY if you let it! Wear those ugly Christmas sweaters or t-shirts and feel joy! When I put my Christmas sweaters on I instantly feel happy for the day. I am excited to wear mine at work and to just feel the joy of the holidays.
Ugly Christmas sweaters are lighthearted or entertaining. You won't find a person who doesn't like your sweater. It doesn't matter what it is, you are sure to get a laugh from others. This results in making you laugh. As they say, laughter is the best medicine. There are many benefits to laughter. Laughter inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded. It adds joy and zest to your life. You can get this in your day by simply wearing a sweater. During a stressful time of year, why not put on an ugly Christmas sweater to get laughs from others and from yourself? The people who laugh with you are benefiting, too!
My goal is to eventually have an ugly Christmas sweater for each day of the week. That way I can wear one at work each day and at the holiday parties during the weekend. I currently own 3 so I'm well on my way to accomplishing this goal. I can keep the joy and laughter going all through the holiday season! Whatever you do, just live your life and have a little fun! Life isn't meant to be taken seriously ALL THE TIME! Put on that ugly Christmas sweater or Christmas t-shirt and enjoy :)
Your Certified Brain Health Coach,
Ashley
Owner of SustainaBRAIN
