From a very young age, I was indoctrinated into the world of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Concerns about maturity are cast aside as my cousins and I cozy up in front of the TV year after year to witness the obscenities and hilarities of Chevy Chase and company.
“Why is the carpet all wet Todd?”
“Grace? She passed away thirty years ago.”
“That’s the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.”
Numerous iconic quotes have come from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, an undoubtedly classic holiday movie enjoyed by many American families.
The National Lampoon’s vacation franchise consists of seven movies, the most notable being Vegas Vacation and Christmas Vacation. According to Britannica, five of the seven were sponsored by National Lampoon, an adult comedy magazine that was created by three Harvard graduates in 1970.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this movie is worth a watch. Despite the unrefined stupidity present in many of the scenes, Christmas Vacation withstands the test of time. The well-crafted characters put a satirical spin on relatable family qualms.
Overstepping cousin?
Look no further than Eddie, played by Randy Quaid. His performance is wild yet genius. Decked out in a trapper hat and white turtleneck, Eddie is like a wrecking ball, coasting “into town on fumes” in an extremely janky looking RV. “We’re taking it with us when we leave here next month,” are words no holiday host wants to hear.
Senile aunt?
Bethany’s 80th Christmas seems like one to remember, but will she? The old woman, played by Mae Questel, is a bit confused by the large gathering at the Griswold residence, and in general. Putting cat food in the jello and her cat in a box are surefire ways to make your family worry about your mental capacity.
Angsty sister?
Audrey Griswold, played by Juliette Lewis, fits the role perfectly. She’s the perfect picture of an eighties teenager, not amused by her family’s antics. Audrey would rather be out with her friends instead of waiting for her dad’s lights to work or sharing a bed with the “fungus” that is her brother.
The 1989 film is something people like me rewatch every year. It is best enjoyed alongside extended family where everyone can laugh together and be thankful that their relatives are, hopefully, not nearly as wild as the Griswolds.
As Mavis Staples’ smooth voice sings the opening verses of the theme song and the retro, animated intro begins once again, I am overwhelmed with the joy only the nostalgia of a holiday tradition can bring. Cheesy perhaps, but so is the humor in Christmas Vacation.
The movie is available with subscriptions to platforms such as Hulu and HBO Max. It is rated PG-13 and has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 71%.