The winners Rob Cox, Faye Stepp, Reba Sanders, Margaret Smith and Jeff Hanson

By JODI RALL
In the Bubble columnist

First, I want to clear the air as I have a few Christmas sweaters myself and I thought they were beautiful. Sharing this with the women at the Martin Center, I told them of my horror when my daughters stole them to wear to the “tacky” Christmas sweater party at church and college. Stumped, I told them, “I really liked those sweaters and thought I looked good.”

Guess again, Mom. Duh.

Judging the contest was our esteemed Mayor Paul Webb and BHP’s very own Susan Leathers, Brentwood’s Women of the Year. Joining with them was Donna Whitehouse, coordinator of Nashville State’s occupational therapy assistant program. Lastly, rounding out the judging was none other than “Jodi in the Bubble.” Wow, I’ve made it now.

The fun began with Reba Sanders, a life-sized elf, who would eventually win the grand prize for what Mayor Webb described as her “over the top costume.” Quite confident in her little number, Reba shared that her pants came from Goodwill and that her Christmas sweater blinked because under her girdle she was ‘wired.’ Finishing off her tacky outfit were striped socks from friends and an elf hat.

Though it was only her second visit to the center, Reba got into the event with enough Christmas spirit for everyone to share.

When laughter erupted from one of the tables of ladies, it seemed the conversation had turned a little dicey. While modeling her ugly Christmas sweater, Joanie Knoepe explained.

“I misunderstood the conversation at my table and did not realize the ladies were talking about strip tease. I thought they were talking about dancing, so I replied, ‘I haven’t done that since last year.’”

OK, Joanie, I believe you. However if you ever visit my Zumba class, I will be watching your moves.

More than a few of Whitehouse’s Nashville State  students added to the fun.

Jeff Hanson sported a sweatshirt that declared him an “Official Mistletoe Tester.” It caused quite a stir as he gave out kisses to the ladies. The table where the stripper conversation began called Jeff over and more laughter erupted when one of the ladies exclaimed, “We don’t want to see your sweater, we want you.”

Cougars, settle down over there or you might just find yourself on Santa’s Naughty List. Or maybe they would enjoy that?

“I misunderstood the conversation at my table and did not realize the ladies were talking about strip tease. I thought they were talking about dancing, so I replied, ‘I haven’t done that since last year.’” Joanie Knoepe

Then there was our groom to be. Seems Rob Cox is getting married on Saturday to the love of his life. She even bought him his tacky Christmas sweater for the occasion. Underneath the way too-tight sweater, Rob wore a similarly tight T-shirt sporting kittens. Oh, I just love a soft-hearted man.

With something right out of  “Zoolander,” he dropped to his knees and performed for the ladies. Rob, save that for the wedding night son.

Someone who did not compete this year as she came in second last year and didn’t want others to think she was ‘greedy’ was Shirley “Star” Breece. Working the registration table, this colorful character shared with me a few of her nicknames -- Queen Mom, Ambassador of Cooking, Cleaning and Laundry; and my personal favorite, Mistress of Miscellaneous.

She also shared her love of Christmas sweaters and joy in having fun. You’re my kind of girl, Star. Keep kicking those heels up honey.

Can you see how much fun we had? And this was on a rainy Monday.

As it would end up, we had a tie verdict for the Ladies Ugliest Sweater and Men’s Ugliest Sweater awards. Fay Stepp and Margaret Smith both took home prizes. Girls, thank you for participating but seriously, I hope I don’t run into you actually wearing them.

For the boys, Jeff and Rob stole the show so they ended up in a tie too.
Thank you to the Martin Center for hosting a fun afternoon. Thank you to the students who spent time with some wonderful seniors bringing out laughter and joy during the holiday season.

Till next time…