There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who love to dress up for Christmas, and those who don’t. But even if you don’t enjoy putting yourself on display or looking like a Christmas tree, you may enjoy the frivolous, silly, fun, celebratory vibe that Ugly Christmas Sweaters add to any holiday party, family gathering, corporate event, or other seasonal occasion where people are likely to be wearing them.

Christmas-themed sweaters have been around in the United States since the late 19^th-century, but it has only been in recent decades that the trend has caught on. Who hasn’t heard of contests for the “ugliest Christmas sweater?”

In people’s quest to win this coveted “prize,” the more embellishments the better, so it’s not uncommon to see blinking lights, pom poms, stuffed animals, tinsel, tassels, and glitter added to the traditional Santas, poinsettias, candy canes, elves, gifts, reindeer, and snowflake icons.