The 2010 edition of The Farmers’ Almanac is predicting a blisteringly cold winter for most Americans, which could be a good sign for the ugly sweater business.
The periodical journal, which goes on sale Tuesday, predicts freezing temperatures across the nation, from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast, in what they believe could be one of the harshest winters in recent memory.
“It’s going to be an ice cold sandwich,” says managing editor Sandi Duncan, “the middle part of the country’s really going to be cold — very, very cold, very, very frigid, with a lot of snow.”
The almanac, which has been published since 1818, issues annual forecasts using a formula based on astronomy, more specifically sunspots, planetary positions and the effects of the moon.
This year the journal predicts a cool, snowy winter for the Northeast while the Great Lakes states face an arctic-style chill. The rest of the country will be less harsh but still below average.
So what does this mean for the ugly sweater busines? Well, it’s great, of course! While you will no doubt be toiling in a winter wonderland, the promise of the most prolific ugly sweater season ever is a mouthwatering prospect. Ugly sweaters, while lacking great innovation or high-tech materials, serve to keep the wearer and and all in his presence warm. When a truly ugly sweater enters the room it brings with it a heavenly glow. Everyone around lightens up, pointing and chuckling at the hideous garment.
The wearer then gets surrounded by the jealous mob and may even break a sweat as the hot breath of the group closes in.
Of course the wearer runs the risk of sweater-envy, an affliction that affects around 30% of ugly sweater owners. The problem is some people just get so excited when they see an ugly sweater that they just cannot control themselves. instantly they become enraged, driven by the inadequecies of their own stylish wardrobes.
So, for the impending freeze this winter, get yourself a thick ugly sweater… Just get some for your buddies as well.