Christmas Traditions

One Christmas tradition I never indulge in is the Ugly Christmas Sweater (or Jumper, if you’re from my part of the world) – mainly because it’s summer at Christmastime here in Australia.

I have on occasion seen some fine examples of ugly Christmas jumpers in thrift stores, but while they have made me smile, I have never been tempted to purchase one even as a joke.

Until last week.

I popped into a Salvation Army Opportunity Shop (or op shops, as thrift stores are known here) last week at lunchtime, and just when I wasn’t looking I flicked a rack and there it was. The Christmas sweater to end all Christmas sweaters. Red-and-white, reindeers, snowflakes, fur-trimmed hood, wooden buttons and pockets … what more could your heart possibly desire? (Okay, maybe some actual snow.)

In truth, it’s a cheap quality knit, made most likely from acrylic as it was so pilled (I spent half an hour pulling off tufts), and it is machine-washable. But for $7 – and the opportunity to share it with my Snapettes in a spectacular come-back after several months’ absence – it was too good to pass up.

Merry Christmas Eve!