It will be on ...
Christmas Jumper Day 2023 - Thursday 7th December
2022 - Thursday 8th December
2021 - Friday 10th December
2020 - Friday 11th December
2019 - Friday 13th December
2018 - Friday 14th December
2017 - Friday 15th December
2016 - Friday 16th December
2015 - Friday 18th December
2014 - Friday 12th December
2013 - Friday 13th December
2012 - Friday 14th December
2011 - A twinkle in a fundraiser's eye
Raised so far for the Save The Children charity
Christmas Jumper Day - Oh, how heartwarming it is to witness a festive transformation as everyone, from jolly school children to merry colleagues, all wearing their most beloved and whimsical holiday attire on the same joyous day to raise much needed funds for charity!
Amidst the enchanting display of reindeer, mischievous elves, and beloved characters from pop culture adorning clothing far and wide, a deeper purpose lies within this merriment. The true spirit of this tradition is to illuminate the lives of children in need and spread goodwill to all.
Christmas Jumper Day, a yearly charitable extravaganza initiated by the 'Save the Children' in the UK, dances into our hearts a few weeks before Christmas, encouraging participants to wear their creative Christmas jumpers and joyfully contribute a minimum of £2 (or £1 for the little ones) to support the noble cause of rights for children. Through the warmth of our generous hearts, this event has already raised over £35 million and weaves a sense of togetherness and compassion among us.
Take part: Sign-up on the Save The Children UK website.
Yet, in the spirit of sustainability and festive responsibility, there are whispers about Fast fashion, urging us to opt for more festive choices like crafting our own delightful DIY sweaters or supporting skilled artisans. So let us cherish these festive treasures and wear them proudly throughout the season - at family gatherings, merry office celebrations, and joyful outings with friends. And when the season draws to a close, may we swap them with friends or pass on our used sweaters to charitable shops, sparking even more magic and cheer in their cozy new homes.
What is Christmas Jumper Day? (in the UK) - Christmas Jumper Day is a fundraising day initiated by 'Save the Children' – a reputable charity dedicated to the rights of children, on December 14, 2012. This fundraiser is hosted annually by the organization and aims to raise money (and awareness) by asking the public to wear creative Christmas jumpers and make a small donation to take part.
Beyond the UK - Christmas Jumper Day is a charitable event celebrated in many countries during Christmas. It typically falls a couple of weeks before Christmas, with the specific date varying each year. The event's primary aim is to raise funds for various charitable causes.
When is Christmas Jumper Day? - There is no set date for Christmas Jumper Day, but it was celebrated on Fridays from 2012 to 2021. In 2022, Christmas Jumper Day shifted to a Thursday.
How do I get involved? - For the UK Save The Children event, donations of a minimum of £2, or a minimum of £1 for children and youngsters, are contributed to the Save the Children organization by people wearing creative knitwear on this dedicated day. The amount is used to aid kids to be healthy, stay nourished with food, acquire education, and change their future!
What can I wear? - Participants wear quirky, colorful, and often humorous Christmas-themed sweaters (known as "Christmas jumpers" in the UK) on this Christmas Jumper Day. In terms of design, anything festive-themed goes - images of snowmen, reindeer, Santa Claus, or other festive designs. The idea is to spread joy and cheer while showcasing unique and sometimes outrageous knitwear designs.
Who can take part? - People of all ages, from schoolchildren to office workers, actively participate by wearing their Christmas jumpers to work, school, or social gatherings. Participants are encouraged to donate a small sum of money to the chosen charitable organization or cause, helping to support those in need during the holiday season.
How much was raised in 2022? - In 2022, £5 million was raised (including £2M of matched funding from the UK government).
How much has the event raised? - To date, over £35 million has been raised to help transform the lives of children worldwide... that works out to £3 million raised every year for Save the Children UK. For every £1 donated, the UK government's 'Aid Match' will double the donation (up to £2 million).
Is the event simply to raise money? - Beyond raising funds, Christmas Jumper Day is all about fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of giving and compassion. It has become a cherished tradition in many places, promoting kindness and generosity during the festive period while ensuring that the joy of Christmas reaches far and wide.
What about Fast fashion? - Over the years, there have been complaints about Fast fashion - the term used to describe the approach of fashion businesses to producing on-trend, inexpensive, quickly produced garments. The limited lifespan of the products and ethical and environmental concerns has brought into question purchasing Christmas Jumpers only to be worn for 1 or 2 days.
Our advice for avoiding Fast fashion - Make your own! We've seen some amazing DIY Christmas sweaters (check out some of the best on our DIY Pinterest board). Consider buying your sweatshirt from a local Charity store or second-hand retailer. If you wish to purchase something new, consider supporting an artisan in a shop like Etsy.
Our advice on getting the most out of your sweater - aim to get significant use out of it; wear it all over the Festive season, from family get-togethers to meeting with friends. Wear it to the office. Wear it out and about! Enjoy your sweater. And, when you are done with it, swap it with a friend or pass it on to a Charity to see in their local store.
More information on Wikipedia: About Christmas Jumper Day, about Save The Children and Christmas Jumpers.
More information on Save The Children UK: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day/about.
Over the past decade, the day has been embraced wholeheartedly and Save The Children have benefited from a whole host of celebrity supporters. Some the key A-listers are quoted below.
2024 - Not yet announced
2023 - This year's theme is sustainability - encouraging supporters to wear second-hand. Holly Willoughby, (TV presenter), Laura Whitmore (former Love Island host), Lauren Laverne (radio presenter), India Amarteifio (Bridgerton star), Tasha Ghouri (Love Island) and London Hughes (Comedian) have all chosen to sport sustainable knitwear this year. Sophie Morgan (loose Women panellist), Joelah Noble (radio presenter), Dame Arlene Phillips (dancer and ex-Strictly Come Dancing judge) and, Andi Oliver (chef) and her daughter Miquita. Alex Jones (The One Show) , Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo (podcast hosts), Kate Garraway (Good Morning Britain presenter), Fats Timbo (comedian), Will Best (Big Brother host), and Katie Piper (presenter and activist).
2022 - Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield (This Morning). Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo (Made in Chelsea). Andi and Miquita Oliver, (BBC presenters) Martin and Shirlie Kemp(singers and celebrity Gogglebox). Adil Ray and Charlotte Hawkins (Good Morning Britain). Olly Murs (Singer). Giovanni Pernice (Strictly Come Dancing). Kate Garraway (Good Morning Britain). Emma Bunton (Spice Girls). Alex Jones (The One Show). Katie Piper (activist and Loose Women panellist). Dani Dyer (Love Island star). Arlene Philips (dancer and ex Strictly presenter). Seesma Jaswal (Premier League and FIFA World Cup presenter). Ranj Singh (TV doctor). Adam Hills, Suzi Ruffell, Adam Pearson and Lee Ridley (comedians).
2021 - Holly Willoughby (This Morning). Emma Bunton (Spice Girls). Alex Scott (One show presenter and former footballer). Nicola Adams (Olympic boxer). Kate Garraway (Good Morning Britain). Joel Dommet and Lee Ridley (comedians). Andi Oliver (celebrity chef). Adil Ray and Adam Pearson (actors). Nina Wadia (soap star). Dr Ranj Singh (TV doctor). Georgia Toffolo (Made in Chelsea). Wes Nelson (Love Island).
2020 - The following celebs all popped on a festive pullover to mark their support for the campaign - Jaime Winstone, Alex Scott, Thanyia Moore, Nicola Adams, Holly Willoughby, Ed Balls, Peter Andre, Kem Cetinay, Chris Hughes, Josh Denzel, Katie Piper, Lee Ridley, Liam Charles, Ovie Soko, Vicky Pattinson, Georgia Toffolo, Aston Merrygold, Dom Joly and Adam Pearson.
2019 - A whole host of celebrities donned vintage festive jumpers in support of Christmas Jumper Day, including - Holly Willoughby, Alex Scott, Emma Bunton, Kate Garraway, Wes Nelson, Seema Jaswal, Dr Ranj Singh, Andi Oliver, Adil Ray, Suzi Ruffell, Alex Brooker, Nina Wadia, Georgia Toffolo, Nicola Adams, Joel Dommett, Lee Ridley and Adam Pearson.
2018 - A range of celebrities have co-knitted to Christmas Jumper Day, including Katie Piper, Kimberley Wyatt, Gary Kemp, Aston Merrygold, Binky Felstead, Georgia Toffolo, Joel Dommett and Love Island’s Eyal Booker, Chris Hughes and Kem Cetinay, who have all popped on a festive pullover to mark their support for the campaign.
2017 - Supporters included Ore Oduba, Nick Grimshaw, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Kate Thornton, Michelle Heaton, Peter Andre, Linda Robson, Keith Lemon, Fearne Cotton, Amanda Holden, Myleene Klass, James Blunt, Julie Walters, Jon Snow, Alan Cumming, Ruth & Eamonn and Kate Garraway.
2016 - celebrities who have committed to the campaign were James Corden , Myleene Klass, Anna Friel, Jon Snow, Freddie Flintoff, Jamie Redknapp, the Arsenal Football team and Ashley Jensen.
“Christmas Jumper Day is a great cause – and what better year to take part than this year, when the UK government is going to match every donation up to £2 million! Don’t forget to put the date in your diary and encourage as many of your friends and family as you can to join in the fun on Thursday 7th December.”
Olly Murs
Christmas Jumper Day. Olly Murs. Image credit: Tom Dymond
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