What might have been just another ugly holiday sweater has become something of a public relations issue for greeting card giant Hallmark.

The company recently released an ornament in the shape of a tacky holiday sweater, emblazoned with the phrase: “Don we now our FUN apparel!”

Hallmark is now defending itself against claims that it’s making a political statement by using the word “fun” to replace “gay” in a popular lyric from the “Deck the Halls” Christmas carol.

Critics took to Twitter and the company’s Facebook page to say the change amounts to an unnecessary political statement by Hallmark.

But the Kansas City, Mo.-based company released a statement Wednesday saying the multiple meanings attached to the word “gay” meant the sweater’s lyrics would be open to misinterpretation.