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Fun Holidays

Ugly Sweater Day #2

Ugly Sweater Day in Canada is typically celebrated on the third Friday of December. This fun and quirky tradition encourages people to wear their most over-the-top, brightly colored, or humorously tacky holiday sweaters to work, school, or parties. It has become a popular way to embrace the holiday spirit in a playful and lighthearted manner.

The day aligns with the global rise in popularity of “ugly sweaters” as a holiday trend, with many people purchasing or creating custom sweaters featuring festive themes like reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, or even flashing lights. It’s also a great opportunity for workplaces and schools to host contests, where participants compete to see who has the ugliest or most creative sweater.

In addition to the fun, Ugly Sweater Day is often tied to charity efforts in Canada. Many organizations encourage participants to donate or raise money for causes such as children’s hospitals, food banks, or local community initiatives.

Fun Holidays

Ugly Sweater Day

Ugly Sweater Day in Canada is typically celebrated on the third Friday of December. This fun and quirky tradition encourages people to wear their most over-the-top, brightly colored, or humorously tacky holiday sweaters to work, school, or parties. It has become a popular way to embrace the holiday spirit in a playful and lighthearted manner.

The day aligns with the global rise in popularity of “ugly sweaters” as a holiday trend, with many people purchasing or creating custom sweaters featuring festive themes like reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes, or even flashing lights. It’s also a great opportunity for workplaces and schools to host contests, where participants compete to see who has the ugliest or most creative sweater.

In addition to the fun, Ugly Sweater Day is often tied to charity efforts in Canada. Many organizations encourage participants to donate or raise money for causes such as children’s hospitals, food banks, or local community initiatives.

Politics

Will he resign

As of December 19, 2024, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing significant pressure to resign following the unexpected departure of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Freeland resigned on December 16, citing disagreements over fiscal policies and concerns about impending U.S. tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.

Financial Times

Freeland’s resignation has intensified calls from both opposition parties and members within Trudeau’s Liberal Party for him to step down. Notably, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet have urged Trudeau to resign, with Poilievre stating that Trudeau has “lost control” and is “clinging to power.”

New York Post

Within the Liberal Party, several Members of Parliament have expressed a desire for new leadership. Reports indicate that approximately one-third of Liberal MPs have called for Trudeau’s resignation, suggesting that a leadership change could improve the party’s prospects in the upcoming election.

The Australian

Despite the mounting pressure, Trudeau has not publicly indicated any immediate plans to resign before Christmas. He has acknowledged the challenges facing his government but has not committed to stepping down. Political analysts suggest that if Trudeau chooses to remain in office, he may face a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes after the winter break, potentially leading to an early federal election.

Reuters

In summary, while there is substantial pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign before Christmas, as of December 19, 2024, he has not announced any intention to do so. The situation remains fluid, and developments are expected as the holiday season progresses.

 
 
 
History

On This Day December 19

December 19 in Canada often marks the final run-up to Christmas festivities, and historically, the day has been significant for various newsworthy holiday-related events. Here are a few notable examples tied to Christmas or the holiday season that have occurred around this date:

1. Christmas Cheer Campaigns

By mid-December, charitable organizations across Canada ramp up their efforts to support vulnerable populations. For example:

  • On December 19, 1914, The Toronto Star’s Christmas Fund, one of the country’s longest-running holiday charities, reported record donations to provide food and toys for struggling families during World War I.
  • Similar campaigns often dominate the news in modern times, with communities coming together for food drives, toy distributions, or holiday hampers.

2. Holiday Weather Drama

This time of year frequently brings snowstorms that disrupt holiday travel or bring joy to winter sports enthusiasts:

  • December 19, 2013: Toronto and parts of Ontario were digging out from a severe pre-Christmas snowstorm. This storm was part of a series of harsh weather events leading to the infamous Christmas ice storm that caused power outages for hundreds of thousands over the holidays.
  • December 19, 2022: Travel warnings were issued across Canada as major storms approached the West and East Coasts, causing flight cancellations and delays ahead of Christmas.

3. Christmas-Themed Cultural Moments

  • On December 19, 1949, the CBC aired one of its first radio broadcasts entirely focused on Christmas music and storytelling, bringing holiday cheer into Canadian homes.
  • Holiday markets and light displays in cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto often receive media attention around this date as families celebrate the festive season.

4. Historical Events Tied to the Holiday Spirit

  • In 1867, Canada’s first post-Confederation Christmas season was highlighted by news articles around this time detailing how Canadians were adopting Victorian holiday traditions like tree decorating and carol singing.