It’s become a party season staple. Jaine Blackman takes a look at the rise of the Christmas jumper

Was it Mark Darcy’s dreadful Christmas jumper in Bridget Jones’ Diary that sparked the trend for nutty festive knits?

If so the film has a lot to answer for.

Every winter, the fad for novelty knits just keeps snowballing. But for all their naffness there’s something sweet about the sweaters style forgot.

How can you sneer at something that makes so many people smile.

Even high-end designers have been jumping on the sleigh bandwagon.

Last year saw the likes of Alexander McQueen, Matthew Williamson and Burberry customise incredible one-off knits for a charity auction to highlight Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day.

This year’s – the third – takes place next Friday so there’s still time to track down your own yule design.

Just about every high street store in Oxford has rails of Noel novelty sweaters featuring festive slogans, reindeer, snowmen, penguins and Christmas puds.

This year, they’re all singing, all dancing. You’ll find jumpers that light up like Blackpool illuminations at the touch of a button, there are sweaters that sing you a Christmas carol on demand, and then there are 3D numbers with squeezable red Rudolph noses or swinging metallic presents on trees.

So throw fashion sense out of the frosty window. In fact, leave it at the wreath-laden door because when it comes to Christmas jumpers, the sillier the better.

GEORGE at Asda is the official retail partner for Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day and the partnership is aiming to raise over £750,000.

A range of Save the Children Christmas jumpers for men, women and children are now on sale, with prices ranging from £7 to £14.

The jumpers are raising funds for Save the Children’s work in the UK and are available to buy in selected Asda stores and online.

Asda in Wheatley doesn’t have a clothing department but staff there have been supporting the campaign by wearing George jumpers from Asda Living Cowley or from Asda Direct (asda.com/Direct).

David Lester, 21, a section leader, chose his £12 jumper because of “its funny nose on the front and tail on the back”.

Martin Wogan, 53, a front end colleague, works on the checkouts, self-scan checkouts and also helping customers. Martin loves wearing his £18 jumper because it is helping Save the Children.

Sarah Watts, 20, who works on checkout , wears a George jumper priced £10. She loves wearing her jumper because it is fun and wants to support Save the Children.

Oxford Mail:  Oxford Mail:
Devun Williamson                                              Martin Wogan

Irene Wiltshire, “over 21”, a customer service colleague, is happy to wear her £14 jumper to support children’s charities.

Oxford Mail:  Oxford Mail:
Irene Wiltshire                                                   Sarah Watts

Devun Williamson, 18, works on produce. “I love the colour and the bells make it jolly,” says Devun of his £14 jumper.

Oxford Mail:
David Lester

Ways to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
Sign up at christmasjumperday.org, wear a Christmas jumper on Friday December 12 and donate n Text JUMPER to 70050 to donate £2 straight to Save the Children

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