 |
The Night Before Lighted Christmas
cheesychristmassweater.com |
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast
It's been said that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. We all have different traditions and views, one of my favorite aspects of it all is the chance to spread the spirit the holiday. Many groups and individuals do that by providing gifts and meals for the less fortunate. Churches will host living nativity scenes or hold a Christmas pageant to share the reason for the season. People will put up a Christmas tree, hang lights outside their home and bake lots of Christmas cookies. I like doing all these things. But one of my favorite things to do is wear an ugly Christmas sweater.
 |
| 2014's homemade ugly sweatshirt (w/my buddy Tom Harness) |
To be honest these novelty items are not cheap. I've seen them online for more than a hundred dollars in some places. They're so popular these days you can't pick them up at Goodwill or thrift stores like you used to be able to. Being a cheapskate, I've either borrowed an ugly Christmas sweater or taken pieces of holiday decor and created a one-of-a-kind design, which truly hold up to the ugly part of the equation. There's even a day dedicated to these horrendous creations, this year it's December 18.
I recently received a sweater from the British company Cheesy Christmas Sweater. You can read more about the company here and check out their awesome designs. When I first opened mine, called The Night Before Lighted Christmas, I didn't realize it lit up. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised.
With its glittery popcorn baubles, shiny bows on the gifts under the tree and a peaceful angel perched on top, this sweater had my attention immediately. But then when you switch on the battery pack and the tiny lights embedded in the tree start to glow the cheesy factor increases like Santa's waistline. Those lights blink and change colors from red, green, blue and yellow. I can not wait to wear this on Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and to the many holiday festivities I plan to attend. My family is sure to disown me before December 25.
 |
| Inside the sweater |
The sweater I received costs $77.56 and is one of three light up sweaters offered by Cheesy Christmas Sweater. Sometimes when I wear a sweater I find it hot and itchy, but that's not the case with this one. I do wear an undershirt, but that's out of habit. Without one, the lights inside are covered with a soft piece of material that didn't bother my skin. The company sent me a medium, which is a bit snug. But I see it as motivation to not overindulge on Christmas cookies this season. It did not come with washing instructions, but because of the lights I've already deduced it's hand wash only.
 |
| The Twosie: Nutcracker (sold out) |
There are regular ugly sweaters that start at just over $44 and Christmas cardigans for less than 70 bucks. All of the designs are fun and festive and are in line with the cheesy/ugly Christmas theme. The site offers something I'd never seen until I was introduced to them a few months ago and that's the "Twosie." As the name suggests, it's a two headed Christmas sweater. The designs include The Nutcracker and Believe in Magic. They are by far the most popular as both designs are sold out at this time.
If you're planning to order from Cheesy Christmas Sweater, I'd act fast. Ugly Christmas Sweater Day will be here before you know it and because the company is located in England, it may take it a little longer to arrive. Check with them when you place your order. Thanks for reading and Merry Christmas.
