That sure is something

Your sweater glows in the dark

Celebrate with joy

When the term started shadowing the sweaters, I objected. I am typically oppositional defiant. As a 70’s girl (don’t do the math), Ugly Christmas Sweaters speckle my past and are a necessity in a Wisconsin wardrobe. Their warmth is appropriate to the season and brighten the ever-diminishing daylight.

Though I was unable to find a definite year when they were first labeled as “ugly sweaters,” I found the blame lay at the feet of males. Thinking back my father claimed to be color blind and seemed unable to dress himself in matching clothes. Mom was constantly sending him back to his closet to change a shirt or pants so they would match. Still, I can easily see him saying, “Even I know better than to wear THAT.”

Features of the ugly sweater are bright primary colors enhanced with metallic embellishments and at least one (or maybe 10) Christmas devices. Devices, you know, skeuomorphs. From snowmen and candy canes to characters from the Christmas movie of the season (or almost any children’s holiday movie) you will know one when you see it. Both skeuomorphs and ugly Christmas sweaters.

What makes them so popular if they’re ugly? Look closely, you will probably find a theme that resonates with the wearer. Part tribe affiliation and part voice, the one who wears it probably can’t tell you exactly why they sport their particular design. I’d guess most folks do have a favorite.

You know when it is wrong. Grandma probably won’t be wearing a Star Wars themed outfit Though I’m ridiculously close to the age where I could be a grandma and would possibly wear Star Wars clothing. Hidden in those bright colors and jingling bells you typically will not find something that is counter to the wearer’s personality.

As our clothes represent our personality, so will our writing. We know a person by their voice. In the good old days, we answered the phone to find out who was there without any digital suggestion. You might know them by their voice if they were someone close to you. The caller was expected to announce who they were if they were not an acquaintance. Likewise, an author has a voice that readers recognize. This is the foundation of many a wildly successful book series.

There are components and rhythm to an author’s voice. Just a few facets of voice would be: length of sentence, length of paragraph, common phrases (such as What’s up), colloquialisms, and familiarity.

Can I explain that last one? Some writers have a style that is very authoritative and a bit formal. Others have a style that sounds like they are your best friend. Most fall on a spectrum between those points.

The more comfortable you are with writing, the more you will let your natural voice flow into your writing. One method to help develop voice is to use your actual voice. Read the piece out loud. Change anything you read differently from the work. Have someone else listen while you read and mark down anything that varies from the written piece. We don’t always catch our own changes. When you read your work outloud differently than it is written, there is a very good chance your voice is showing up.

If you don’t have someone you trust to help with this, find a tribe! Last week I gave a list of some local groups that are designed to help writers develop. I have one last public session of writing – next week. The workshop on Saturday, December 20, 2025 was my public appearance this week. January 30 I will be at Trek Bicycle Store Racine for my last session.

I am nearing the end of my tenure as ArtRoot writer-in-residence. It has truly been a learning experience and an honor to represent Racine and Kenosha in this position. If you have any interest, quick, get your application in!

Keep writing!

—Christy Hoff, ArtRoot Writer-in-Residence