Opinion: Ugly sweaters ruin the reason for the season

Immediately after Thanksgiving, individuals begin to proudly display their Christmas spirit. Some get ready for the holidays by playing Michael Bublé’s infamous Christmas album or decorating their homes with a myriad of colorful, festive lights. 

Others emanate Christmas spirit by modeling a Christmas sweater. Oftentimes, the word “ugly” is used to describe such apparel, originally meant to describe the unappealing mess of a sweater that those of the older generation wore. Although, in light of modern Christmas sweater designs that pervert the images of classic Christmas icons, the adjective suits the sweaters in their entirety.

In attempt to attract the attention of those who take things lightly, countless Christmas sweaters exhibit reindeer and snowmen in sexually provocative poses. These offensive sweaters take traditional Christmas figures and distort them to be rather erotic. 

One can even find a sweater on Amazon that depicts Mrs. Claus reprimanding Santa, whose pants are down at his ankles. The sweater is adorned with the words, “Santa has been naughty.” 

Sexual undertones are a popular theme throughout the designs of homemade Christmas sweaters, as well.  Favored by a pair of individuals of opposite sexes are sweaters that say, “Jingle my bells” and “Feel the joy.”

Furthermore, sweaters that say, “On The Naughty List” can be found throughout the nation at local Target stores. This sweater promotes all things that could be categorized as “bad behavior.”

In addition to that specific sweater design, Target trivializes an anxiety disorder on one of the Christmas sweaters it is selling this season.  The sweater makes light of OCD, also known as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, by referring to the disorder as “Obsessive Christmas Disorder.”

Upon the sight of the sweater, many have openly expressed their distaste for it on Twitter.

“As someone with OCD, I’d really appreciate it if you don’t sell my illness as a fashion statement,” said Reign Murphy. 

Despite the backlash received from putting this particular sweater on the market, Target does not plan to discontinue the product, although, they apologize for any discomfort, due to the fact that it was never their intention to “offend [their] guests.”

The New York Daily News constructed a survey, asking whether or not “Obsessive Christmas Disorder” sweaters should be considered inappropriate. The majority opinion revealed that several individuals believe these sweaters are harmless, due to the fact that they are “just sweaters.” 

The question to ask oneself is as follows: Do these Christmas sweaters appropriately depict one’s Christmas spirit, or is it offensive to wear such apparel?

-=Lauren Parayno