December 14, 2006
what say all of you?
Holiday sweaters: yes or no? Discuss.
Also: Contest! Ends! Tomorrow! Details in sidebar! No time to link! Must revel in kidlessness! And drink martinis buy underwear!
Edited at 9:05 am, while the hot water in the shower heats up so I can put on some real clothes and go run MORE errands because YES I have ALREADY been to SuperTarget and OH MY GOD what is with all the TRAFFIC??? Doesn’t anyone have a JOB?
Good lord you all are funny. Vests! I hadn’t even thought about the vests! Yikes!
Since you’re so opinionated:
Holiday pajamas: yay or nay?
And how about those holiday-themed socks?
Contine to discuss.
Posted by Susan @ 6:56 am • Uncategorized
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December 14th, 2006 at 7:44 am, educat Says:
No. Nononononononono.
I can’t even be witty about this.
December 14th, 2006 at 7:51 am, Bethany Says:
No. This may be because I am cheap and do not see the sense of having a sweater I can only wear for a short time period. It could also be because they are ugly.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:09 am, mamalang Says:
I say no in general, but my boss does wear them (and seriously, I think she has one for every day of the month) and some of them are cute. And she can totally pull them off. But others, no, no, and more no…one more no just because.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:16 am, Rebecca Says:
If you are older than 60 and you normally wear old lady clothes, then yes. Otherwise I say avoid them at all costs. There are a lot of other ways to have holiday cheer in your wardrobe.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:30 am, daysgoby Says:
Yes, with severe reservations.
IF you are a jolly person anyway.Do NOT be surly or grumpy (or any other dwarf) and wear a sweater with a big-ass package on it. It’s confusing to all the colorful birds and small children that flock to the shinyness.
IF you ONLY wear them during the month of December IN THE YEAR THAT YOU BOUGHT IT, and then throw or give it away.
Pilled last year Christmas sweaters. Yeuch. There is NO WAY to pull that off.
I don’t own any. I do plain sweaters (a nice burgandy? Olive? Cream?) and a (small, gold)Christmas brooch.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:31 am, shannon @ rocks in my dryer Says:
Yes, but only if they’re subtle and tasteful. *ducking and running before anyone throws stuff at me*
December 14th, 2006 at 8:34 am, Karyn Says:
Oh HELL no.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:34 am, Nat Says:
Mark Darcy, people! Mark Darcy! Even Mark Darcy could not make a reindeer jumper okay!
Also, my rule is, if my Mother in Law (or her Southern peers) thinks it’s okay, it’s so not!
So Christmas vests are just as hideous.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:41 am, sozzled Says:
no. although I am rather fond of my “bah humbug” tshirt.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:08 am, Lauren Says:
Yes. Uglier the better, and worn with boatloads of irony.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:10 am, Chilihead2 Says:
There is no way to wear a Christmas sweater gracefully unless you are over 65 and your grandchildren clearly gave it to you. And their parents should know better.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:20 am, Laura Says:
I think if it is a shirt with a simple saying (i.e. Bah Humbug! or Old Navy’s 4th of July tees) it is okay. Otherwise unless you are under 12 or over 65 (and likely to wear this sort of thing anyway) you should never wear “The Holiday Sweater.” My friend Erin always tells me to never wear something during a trend that I wore the FIRST time it was a trend, and to be careful of dressing like “Women of a Certain Age.” This advice has served me well in avoiding double-knit polyester, huge bellbottom pants, and jeweled pins in the shape of animals.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:27 am, daysgoby Says:
Holiday pjs? Only if you are still young enough to wear the kind with feet.
Holiday socks? I vote yes, if NOT worn with the sweater.
And NONONO NEVER a Christmas hat. Unless you ARE Santa Claus.
December 14th, 2006 at 10:04 am, Becky Says:
Well, I guess I am a rebel or just plain fashionless (is that a word?), but I say Yes to holiday sweaters as long as they are simple AND tasteful. And, yes to holiday socks - I love funky socks though! And, the Christmas vest - probably not, although I did see a mom at daughters school yesterday with a very cute & tasteful pink snowman vest on! And love christmas pjs, but no christmas hats (kids only)! Don’t hate me becuase I have no class!!!
December 14th, 2006 at 10:04 am, Cathy Says:
I had a Benetton sweater in 1984, very tasteful - angora and had a white reindeer on black background. Since then, Nooop.
Holiday PJs are okay. Holiday socks? Maybe with the holiday PJs on Christmas morning. Sometimes it takes some Christmas get-up to get in the mood for the holiday. I truly understand why people wear the sweaters and other holiday gear - just not for moi.
December 14th, 2006 at 10:22 am, Tater and Tot Says:
Christmas sweaters? Of Course! As long as they have lots of jingle bells and 3-dimensional appliques. And you must, must, must wear huge dangling ornament ball earrings. And a hairbow. Please, for the love of all things Christmas, don’t forget the hairbow. The bigger the better!
No, seriously, some Christmas attire is very taseful and quite beautiful. As long as is doesn’t blind anyone, I say go for it!
December 14th, 2006 at 10:27 am, Molly Says:
I have a Ralph Lauren Christmas sweater that I will NOT give up, no matter what anyone says. 100% wool. Charcoal heather with dark red and green vintagey patchwork Christmas motifs. Pewter buttons with snowflakes. I wear it once, sometimes twice a year. It should be down to about $5 a wearing in, say, 2011.
I did have a sweatshirt once (in 1984 or ‘85) that said “Who cares if you’ve been naughty or nice?” I only wore it a few times, but one of those times was to traffic court…
December 14th, 2006 at 10:51 am, Mir Says:
No to the sweaters for adults unless they just have snowflakes, in which case I consider it borderline.
(Children are to wear all manner of embarrassing and adorably kitschy holidaywear until they are old enough to rebel, of course.)
Pajamas, well, what happens behind closed doors is up to you.
Socks, absolutely. But only with jeans and something very casual. I do not want to see your blinking musical reindeer socks paired with trousers. Amen.
December 14th, 2006 at 10:56 am, Kate Says:
If you are my ex-boyfriend and you hail from Maine (or any state north of NY) and you have an L.L. Bean sweater with, say, a reindeer or a moose or a snowflake, then apparently, yes. It suits the New Englanders.
Otherwise, please, for the love of all things holy, unless you teach elementary school, NO holiday sweaters!
I do like holiday socks but why must they always be that awful Christmas Red that hurts my eyes?
December 14th, 2006 at 11:05 am, Brandi Says:
Holiday PJs are ok as long as everyone doesn’t match like in the Hanna Anderrson catalog, and only your immediately family will see you.
I love socks that aren’t white, so holiday socks are ok as long as that’s the only holiday attire you’re wearing.
When I’m a grandma, I’ll proudly wear holiday sweaters. Until then, NOOOOOO!
December 14th, 2006 at 11:26 am, Rachel Says:
In general, holiday sweaters and vests are a big fat no. I have many pairs of holiday socks that I love and wear all december, I like to have happy, festive feet. And holiday PJs: who’s going to see! who cares! I have adorable snowman pjs that I love and I will wear them in the privacy of my own home no matter what anyone else says.
December 14th, 2006 at 11:28 am, Chilihead2 Says:
No to everything. No sweaters, no vests, no socks. And? No freakin’ Santa hats. That’s what I said: NO Santa hats. No bells on your shoes. No embroidered jumpers.
Frankly, I prefer no Christmas bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, either, but that’s just the bah, humbug in me so I let that slide.
December 14th, 2006 at 11:41 am, Candace Says:
I’m so totally with Chilihead on this one. I hate themed things of any kind (except Disney World because it’s the Happiest Fucking Place On Earth, trademark) and I don’t like conforming. So, no. No to everything. Except maybe holiday pjs for the kids. Maybe.
December 14th, 2006 at 1:01 pm, Bethany Says:
I AM cheap. Last year after Christmas I bought 4 pairs of Christmas theme pj’s (for myself). They were $3 a set and I wear them all the time.
December 14th, 2006 at 1:36 pm, Patti (Mazy) Says:
Sweaters, vests, jackets — NO! Pajamas — mais, oui!
December 14th, 2006 at 1:49 pm, Anonymous Says:
I think I am the only elementary school teacher who hasn’t succumbed to the holiday sweater. Although, I am young, and just slutty like that.
But our dog does wear antlers.
oh, and the holiday vest with a holiday motif turtleneck? good god, even jesus wouldn’t want that worn for his birthday.
December 14th, 2006 at 1:50 pm, chichimama Says:
Yes to (tasteful) PJs and (tasteful) socks, no to the sweater and vests. Unless it is as funky and tasteful as Molly’s sounds.
December 14th, 2006 at 2:04 pm, Susan Says:
Oh Anonymous Elementary School Teacher, you made me laugh out loud.
And holiday printed turtlenecks make the Baby Jesus cry.
Anyone have an opinion about dressing up the dog?
December 14th, 2006 at 2:22 pm, Kira Says:
I, personally, shall devote time and money to the collection of holiday themed clothing when I have satisfied ALL OTHER WORTHWHILE GOALS.
Therefore, if you see me trotting about in a sweater with jingle bells or socks with Santa’s leering face, please punch me full in my self-satisfied nose, and remind me about the papers under my bed.
December 14th, 2006 at 2:25 pm, Anonymous Says:
WHY could you not have done this yesterday, Susan???? I have been out all day shopping my head off (as my 5 y.o. would say) IN MY CHRISTMAS SWEATER!
You are all going to give me a freaking complex.
Seriously though, it’s so cute with this chunky silver star for a zipper pull and EVERYTHING! I wore it with lowrise jeans and silver hoop earrings. I wouldn’t be caught dead in Christmas earrings.
I have a Valentine sweater too that has red and pink hearts all over it. And I’m gonna wear it in February. You just watch me. Oh, and my daughter has a matching one, so THERE!
December 14th, 2006 at 2:29 pm, Susan Says:
Matching kid sweaters! I have boys, so I’ve never done that, although I have accidentally dressed like my husband a few times (black wool trousers and grey sweater, or jeans and white tee–he HATES that. HATES IT).
Anyone? Anyone? How about matching Mommy-and-Me sweaters?
December 14th, 2006 at 4:02 pm, Kelly Says:
No holiday themed clothing! Not ever! For any holiday! Waste of money and closet space!
Matching clothing — Only for adorable twin girls, and even then only while they’re too young to protest.
December 14th, 2006 at 4:12 pm, Susan Says:
Gratuitous baby cuteness! I’m so happy!
And holiday themed to boot. Thanks, Kelly!
December 14th, 2006 at 4:39 pm, Lisa Says:
I am an elementary teacher and my kids love it when I wear my Christmas sweater. I wear it once per week, only during the month of December. I have Christmas shoes too but since having my kids my feet are too big for them!
Holiday sock or pyjamas - you betcha! I also have Halloween socks!
Phooey to all you fashionistas - it’s all about making the kids happy!
December 14th, 2006 at 4:50 pm, Susan Says:
Okay, how about if we all agree that there is a loophole for elementary school teachers on the holiday sweater thing? As long as Lisa isn’t, say, wearing her holiday sweaters out to dinner with her husband . . .
Also, what are “Christmas shoes”? I am intrigued.
December 14th, 2006 at 7:01 pm, Cathy Says:
I went through a phase where I was trying to match my boys. I was wearing - yes - overalls. They were from the Limited and they were HOT. I just donated them last week and it was painful. I love matching the boys, but I don’t know how. This is off topic to the Christmas attire, but the topic has digressed a bit?
December 14th, 2006 at 8:14 pm, Susan Says:
Topic? We had a TOPIC here?
I’ve just been tossing back martinis and giggling at you all. What were we talking about again?
December 14th, 2006 at 8:48 pm, Jenorama Says:
Oh, yes, Christmas pajamas, absolutely! How fun! I wear mine year round.
I wear a Santa hat in the house, and when I run in the Reindeer Romp (and I have a Christmas fleece for that too, but I don’t know where it is now).
December 14th, 2006 at 9:42 pm, Miss Valerie Jean Says:
Gaudy, flashy or shiny sweaters, NO.
Christmas Morning pajamas, YES Also, I LOVE my flannel snowflake pj’s!
Christmas Socks, YES YES YES!
(when worn with plain other clothes, of course!)
Dressing the dog. Weird.
December 14th, 2006 at 10:34 pm, Mrs. Chicken Says:
Oh God. I started a war on CAC when I made fun of Christmas sweaters. Once burned, lady. Once burned.
December 15th, 2006 at 8:34 am, MJ Says:
A resounding no. I must admit I feel that way about all Christmas apparel with, of course, a few exceptions:
- you’re a small child;
- you’re a grandmother;
- you teach young children.
Now at the risk of contradicting myself, I believe that if you wore a Dale of Norway sweater (which have a subtle snowflake motif) this would be okay. They’re traditional Norwegian sweaters and as such are exempt. Of course, it would be best if it wasn’t red or green.
Actually I love Christmas…just not in clothes.
December 15th, 2006 at 9:13 am, Andie D. Says:
No holiday themed ANYTHING WEARABLE, with the exception of underwear and maybe PJs. Maybe.
Dog antlers? HELL YEAH! I just got a dog! I’m so off to the pet store!
December 15th, 2006 at 9:44 am, Laura Says:
I forgot. Holiday socks are appropriate if you wear the CORRECT holiay socks for the CORRECT holiday. However, if you have Alzheimer’s (like my Grandfather did) and you wear St. Patrick’s Day socks on Thanksgiving (which did happen - he had quite the collection), I believe this entitles you to a pass.
December 15th, 2006 at 11:56 am, dani Says:
oy the holiday sweater… big NO. I´m pretty opposed to the themed clothing altogether. I was going to my husband´s office party the other day and was going straight from work, so was in black suit with red sweater… my client kept trying to lend me her holiday pin (big, hurking, plastic wreath) and her dangly christams light earrings. I told her I had to wear the demure pearls because they were a gift from my husband. phew.
December 15th, 2006 at 1:43 pm, callie Says:
um, okay. I am the anon elementary teacher who refuses to wear the sweaters, and who thinks the baby jesus would cry if I wore a vest with a hollyberry turtleneck. I don’t want any special loophole, unless I decide to audition for a hallmark movie about a teacher who finds love in her christmas sweater because Santa is really the janitor who never noticed me until I wore my jinglebell knockers- I mean sweaters. I put on a big smile for the kids instead, and sashay to the overhead projector in my plain grey sweater. But I’ll still sit next to you at lunch if you wear YOUR sweater, and I’ll tutor you in fashion for free after school.
love,
callie
December 15th, 2006 at 11:56 pm, scribbit Says:
Rule of thumb is: if it worn in the privacy of your own home or in a place hard to see (i.e. socks or underwear) it can be holiday themed. Anything else is off limits. No sequins/jinglebells/appliques in public.
December 16th, 2006 at 4:39 pm, Jan Says:
My sister gave me a Christmas sweater, and I loooooove it! It is a blackcardigan, with sequin gift packages on it, big fat buttons with sequins all down the front, aand lots of gold glittery stuff, and I wear it every day in December!
Yes I am
1. a grandma
2. from the South
3. A school teacher
December 16th, 2006 at 8:28 pm, susie Says:
OMG you would not believe my collection of holiday socks. I LOVE FUN SOCKS. AND fun pjs. YES!
But HELLS NO to the sweater, vest, turtleneck, ho ho earrings, necklace that blinks or that angel lapel pin. NO! Uh no matching my child either. If so it was completely unintentional.
Now I’m thinking I need to post in my blog about my holiday socks. My collection MIGHT be a little scary.
December 16th, 2006 at 8:30 pm, susie Says:
Oh and I’m also against the idea of “old lady clothes.” I hope I can at least get my ass in an Adidas track suit or something. No elastic waist polyester and shapeless flowery tops.
December 17th, 2006 at 9:05 pm, Lisa Says:
Christmas shoes - little black velvet flats that have Santa and presents and Christmas trees embroidered on them.
I discovered, after a search prompted by this thread, that they fit again. I wore them to the Christmas concert Friday night (not with the sweater though you’ll all be pleased to know) and all the little kiddies loved them! Even little boys were complimenting them.
I have never worn the Christmas sweater out to dinner with my husband. I only wear it to school or Christmas themed events for children such as my husband’s company children’s party.
Do I pass? It would be awful if the teacher failed
December 18th, 2006 at 6:39 am, Susan Says:
Lisa, I love that–I love that you have the shoes (which sound really fun) but more than that, I love that you’re so thoughtful about your students. I think every child should have a teacher who thinks so kindly about them.
Yes, you pass. Will you come be my sons’ teacher?
Suddenly, it really feels like Christmas around here . . .
December 18th, 2006 at 4:58 pm, Lisa Says:
Thanks for the kinds words Susan! I’d love to teach your son - but I think you have snow where you are too so I guess I’ll have to stay here!
Should have known I could interest you with the shoes - I must confess I enjoyed the daily shoe photos!
December 2nd, 2007 at 10:03 pm, Friday Playdate » ho ho ho Says:
[…] last year, when I asked you all for your opinion on holiday sweaters? Remember that? That was […]