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LEWISTOWN -- Lurking in the murky depths of your closet might be a colorful, brash and -- in most cases -- highly embarrassing novelty Christmas sweater which, were it not for the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata's Ugly Sweater Day, would probably never see the light of day.
Who knew that something so ugly could also be so beloved? Ridiculous little dogs with smushed faces? Fine. Hideous, but oh-so-comfortable shoes? Great. But ugly sweaters geared specifically for the Christmas holidays?
The English language doesn't have a word to describe something that's equally as ugly as it is beautiful.
Beautiful is also the best way of describing the thousands of dollars that the United Way has raised since the event started in 2018. It was founded by both the United Way and Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
This year's event is slated for Friday, Dec. 19. Taking part couldn't be easier as participants pay $5 to their employer to wear their ugly Christmas to work. Employers are asked to notify the United Way they are participating by Friday, Dec. 12.
United Way of Mifflin-Juniata Executive Director Colette Hartzler rekindled Ugly Sweater Day in 2023 after the pandemic, as a solo fundraiser for her organization. And the event has reached new heights in fundraising and fashion.
"In 2023, when we brought it back, I was excited to think, hope for $500 to $600 to help our campaign," Hartzler recalled. "I was blown away with 370 participants and $1819 dollars for our campaign.
"In 2024, we had just a few more participants -- 375 -- but raised $2173 for our campaign," Hartzler added. "This is definitely a fun and beneficial event for the United Way, we love getting the pictures of the various individuals and groups."
When the "Jingle Bell Sweater" trend began in the 1950s, it was one of the ways that the Christmas and winter holiday season started becoming commercialized.
Complete with fancy designs, the ugly sweater was often worn during these days by television personalities. But as quickly as the festively decorated sweater designs garnered popularity, they quickly slipped away.
It took a few decades until the sweaters made another surge and, in the 1980s, the ugly sweater became a bit of an iconic statement when worn by television and film fictional characters.
Fading back into obscurity again in the 1990s, it wasn't until 2001 when, for some reason, ugly sweaters came back around and have been more popular than ever.
Whether referring to vintage ugly sweaters that an older relative might have worn, or mass produced ugly sweaters that feature jokes from movies, or perhaps even something that has been custom decorated, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is meant to celebrate them all.
"Life is hectic around the holidays, everyone is asking for help as well, this is event is simple fun for participants to share with co-workers, families and even churches," Hartzler said. "It's a chance to be silly with low investment -- only $5 per participant.
"Last year, Kish Valley Grace Brethren invited their parishioners to participate on the Sunday near the actual Ugly Sweater Day," Hartzler added. We loved that creativity."
Some folks may be wondering exactly what constitutes "ugly" when it comes to this silly day. The good news is that almost anything goes on this rollicking day that is intentionally meant to offend both good taste and common sense, Hartzler said.
For those who are creatively inspired, it's easy to start with something basic, like a red sweatshirt, and turn it into a glorious display of festive hideousness.
With a hot glue gun and some simple craft supplies, even the most boring, non-festive shirts can become an enviable work of awful art.
The more outrageous, the better. Glitter and sequins can always be counted on to add that special touch, or take it to another level with a battery-powered, light-up garment -- say, Rudolph's famous red nose -- that offers a leg-up on the competition.
"There was a Geisinger Nursing instructor with the Nursing School who decked out in a whole Christmas tree ensemble-how fun is that," Hartzler said. "The cutest is the little guy dressed as an elf and sitting on the window ledge of Altiery Gingerich Insurance (in Lewistown) -- he was the quintessential Elf on the Shelf picture."
All contributions should be sent to the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, 13 E. Third St., Lewistown, PA 17044 or dropped off at the office. Group photos are encouraged and can be e-mailed to chartzler@mjunitedway.org.