Flash forward to now, and look how far these sweaters have come. Just Google "Ugly Christmas Sweater," and you'll find listings from top retailers like Nordstrom, Target, and Forever 21.

FunkyChristmasSweaters.com The Christmas sweater used to be something many people loathed -- an itchy, ill-fitting garment with an oversized reindeer lovingly knit by your great aunt Mildred.

A Michigan businessman who made a killing selling ugly Christmas sweaters to the world is now wearing an unflattering label himself: He's a lying tax cheat who used family members to steal more than ...