Hideous Christmas

A lot of holiday traditions would probably be better off left in the past: bewhiskered Aunt Marge wanting a kiss, the turkey burnt to a crisp by the inept but determined family cook, and the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Future who shows you your own grave. But not every "bad"...

By Rebecca McBane

December 12, 2013

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A lot of holiday traditions would probably be better off left in the past: bewhiskered Aunt Marge wanting a kiss, the turkey burnt to a crisp by the inept but determined family cook, and the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Future who shows you your own grave. But not every "bad" Christmas tradition need be relegated to the annals of time. Sometimes, all they need is a spirited reboot. The hideous Christmas sweater has done a 180 in the past few years and is now an ironic work of wearable art. Sure, you still don't want to kiss Aunt Marge -- though let's hope she made use of that waxing gift certificate you gave her last year -- but now you can wear the red-pom-pom-nosed Rudolph sweater with pride. You could even win a prize. Mickey Byrne's Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party might be only in its second year, but it's already a tradition that's here to stay. The $10 admission benefits Gilda's Club South Florida. In addition to the contest for ugliest sweater, there will be an open bar, music, and raffles. The party takes place from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub is located at 1921 Hollywood Blvd. in Hollywood.
Thu., Dec. 12, 8-10 p.m., 2013

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Rebecca McBane is the arts and culture/food editor for New Times Broward-Palm Beach. She began her journalism career at the Sun Sentinel's community newspaper offshoot, Forum Publishing Group, where she worked as the editorial assistant and wrote monthly features as well as the weekly library and literature column, "Shelf Life." After a brief stint bumming around London's East End (for no conceivable reason, according to her poor mother), she returned to real life and South Florida to start at New Times as the editorial assistant in 2009. A native Floridian, Rebecca avoids the sun and beach at all costs and can most often be found in a well-air-conditioned space with the glow of a laptop on her face.

Contact: Rebecca McBane

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