Ugly Office Sweaters

As this reader demonstrates, Ugly Sweaters aren’t just for Christmas. So, as 2009 looms, think about how you can expand your ugly sweater wardrobe to include more holidays. I’m dreaming of an office world that includes embroidered Valentine’s Day hearts, appliqued leprechauns and sparkling American flags. It’s a beautiful dream, don’t you think?

While it was exciting for the editors of this site to meet and get autographed copies of Christian Lander’s book “Stuff White People Like”, it’s even more exciting to see something ugly sweater related get the official white people stamp of approval! That’s right, Ugly Sweater Parties is on the list at #118! Says Lander:

During the month of December, white people face an especially difficult challenge. This is the year when parties and drinking are most appropriate, but the most obvious theme of Christmas must be avoided. This is because Christmas forces Christianity upon others, and though their ancestors had no problem with this activity, modern white people are quite disgusted by the idea. Hanukkah parties are fun, but a bit too exclusive, and a Kwanzaa Party requires an enormous amount of physical, mental, and ironic labor that can only be done by the most elite of white people.

White people needed to find a party that was completely without religious affiliations, but still connected enough to the idea of Christmas that they could serve eggnog and hot toddies. The answer: ugly sweater parties.

But remember, ugly sweaters aren’t just for Christmas parties. You should also have one at your office. And you should take a picture of it. And send it to us

While the Ugly Office Sweater is all about practicality, its close cousin, the Ugly Christmas Sweater, is all about the party. So, in the spirit of the season, every once in awhile, we’ll leave our cubicles, let our hair down and celebrate the glory that is the Ugly Christmas Sweater.

While the example above doesn’t have embroidery or appliques, it does feature a pun and a kitty. That’s good enough for us!

Today’s office dweller is sporting a very neutral gray fleece in a very neutral room, aside from the bright post-its that is! I have a fleece very similar in the color to the pink post-it. Perhaps I should start coordinating my sweater with my office supplies. I may have to raid the supply drawers and rethink my cream-colored office sweater!

Maybe we should have called this blog QuitePlainOfficeFleece.com. Looks like plain is the way to go in this particular office for fear of clashing with the delightfully green walls!