Target’s ‘Obsessive Christmas Disorder’ Sweater Is No Laughing Matter

Molly Shea
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(Photo: Target)

It’s officially holiday season, which means stores are stocking up on ugly sweaters perfect for Yankee gift swaps and frat parties alike. It’s all in good cheer — except for one sweater from Target that’s spurring backlash from angry customers. For $22.40, buyers can wear their OCD, or obsessive Christmas disorder, on their chests.

Obsessive Christmas disorder could sound a little cute — until you remember that for the roughly 2.2 million Americans who battle obsessive-compulsive disorder, the debilitating mental illness doesn’t just rage on while Christmas lights are lit and fade come New Year’s Day. It’s a year-round disorder that can cause serious pain and require medication and treatment. Those with OCD already face stigma (you’re such a freak!), misguided pacification (just stop obsessing; you’ve already turned the lights off), and ignorant empathy (wait, I’m totally OCD too!). Target’s sweater only makes things worse, angry customers are arguing.


Target rattled many when it announced children’s toys and products would no longer be separated by gender. The company stood its ground amid conservative backlash (and one fantastic Facebook prank), which makes it a little surprising that they’d sell a shirt that alienates so many.

As one customer pointed out, “I don’t see any shirts making fun of cancer — #whymentalillness?” Maybe it’s because mental illnesses can be invisible and easier to ignore, or because sometimes the easiest way to raise awareness has been to bring humor to the disorder. (Think Lena Dunham’s Q-Tip-induced ER visit on Girls). Whatever the rationale, customers aren’t laughing.

In a statement to Time, Target said, “We never want to disappoint our guests and we apologize for any discomfort. We currently do not have plans to remove this sweater.” Yahoo has reached out to Target and has yet to hear back.

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