Christmas Jumper Day 2024: A Festive Tradition with a Purpose
Monday, 9 December 2024
As the festive season approaches, one of the most beloved traditions in the UK and beyond is Christmas Jumper Day. In 2024, this festive day promises to be even more delightful, bringing joy and warmth to both participants and beneficiaries alike. Whether you are a seasoned Christmas jumper enthusiast or a newcomer to this charming tradition, here is everything you need to know about Christmas Jumper Day 2024.
What is Christmas Jumper Day?
Christmas Jumper Day is an annual event organised by the charity Save the Children. It encourages people to don their most festive and fun Christmas sweaters, often adorned with reindeer, snowflakes, or other motifs, to raise awareness and funds for children in need. Since its inception in 2012, this event has become a staple of the holiday season, celebrated in schools, offices, and communities across the UK and in various parts of the world.
When is Christmas Jumper Day 2024?
Christmas Jumper Day 2024 falls on Thursday 12th December. This date gives everyone the perfect opportunity to kick off the end of the week and weekend with a burst of holiday spirit, uniting people of all ages in a shared cause.
How to Participate
Participating in Christmas Jumper Day is simple and fun. Here is how you can join in:
- Wear a Christmas Jumper: Find or create your favourite Christmas jumper. Whether it is a classic design or something quirkier and more unique, the goal is to spread festive cheer.
- Encourage Others: Get your friends, family, and colleagues involved. The more people who participate, the merrier!
- Donate: Make a small donation to Save the Children. Every donation counts and can make a significant difference in the lives of children around the world.
- Share on social media: Use hashtags like #ChristmasJumperDay2024 to share photos of your jumper and encourage others to join the cause.
The Impact of Christmas Jumper Day
The funds raised on Christmas Jumper Day have a profound impact on children's lives globally. They contribute to education, healthcare, and protection programs, ensuring that children have access to necessities and opportunities for a better future.
Christmas Jumper Day has raised over £30 million for children in the UK and around the world since it began in 2012!
In 2023, thanks to all the amazing people who took part in Christmas Jumper Day:
- A total of £3 million was raised for children in the UK and around the world.
- Over 1.5 million children and teachers and 27,000 workplaces took part in Christmas Jumper Day 2023.
The goal for 2024 is to surpass that milestone, reaching even more children in need. Find out How your support will help kids in the UK and around the world.
Sustainability and Christmas Jumper Day
Research by the environmental charity Hubbub has shown that as well as triggering huge levels of waste, most new sweaters contain plastic. Its analysis of 108 garments on sale this year from 11 high street and online retailers – including Primark, George at Asda and Topshop/Topman – found that 95% of the jumpers were made wholly or partly of plastic materials. The charity said the garment had become one of the worst examples of fast fashion, now recognised as hugely damaging to the environment (Christmas jumpers add to plastic pollution crisis, says charity | Plastics | The Guardian).
In a statement, Hubbub project co-ordinator Sarah Divall said fast fashion is a "major threat" to the natural world, adding that "Christmas jumpers are particularly problematic as so many contain plastic … We'd urge people to swap, buy second-hand or re-wear - and remember a jumper is for life, not just for Christmas".
Creative Ideas for Your Christmas Jumper
For those looking to stand out, here are some creative ideas to make your Christmas jumper extra special:
- DIY Decorations: Use tinsel, buttons, and fabric paint to customize a plain jumper.
- Themed Groups: Coordinate with friends or colleagues to create a themed group of jumpers, such as "Santa's Helpers" or "Christmas Movie Characters."
- Eco-Friendly Options: Consider thrifting or upcycling an old sweater to reduce environmental impact. Its tips for eco-friendly options include customising existing sweaters and hunting for charity shop and vintage bargains.
Christmas Jumper Day 2024 is not just about having fun; it is a day to come together in the spirit of giving. By wearing a festive jumper and donating, you are helping to create positive change in the world. So, mark your calendars for 12th December, and prepare to don your most delightful jumper for a day of joy, laughter, and charity.
Lizzy Turek
Client Research Associate
