National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation isn’t just a Christmas movie—it’s the Christmas movie. It captures everything messy, funny, heartfelt, and downright absurd about the holidays and wraps it up in a tangle of lights and well-intentioned chaos.

I actually saw this film during its original theatrical release, and that experience has stayed with me ever since. The laughter in the theater, the collective groans at Clark’s holiday disasters, and the warm buzz afterward all cemented it as an instant classic in my mind. Watching it now brings back not only the film’s charm but also the nostalgia of that first viewing—when the jokes were new, the gags unexpected, and the Griswolds’ brand of chaos felt both fresh and relatable.

Chevy Chase delivers one of his most iconic performances as Clark Griswold, the eternal optimist whose dream of a “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas” drives the entire film. Watching Clark battle 25,000 Christmas lights, a rogue squirrel, a dried-out turkey, and his own mounting frustration is a joy because we recognize a little bit of ourselves in him. Who hasn’t tried too hard to make the holidays perfect, only to watch the universe gleefully intervene?

The supporting cast is equally brilliant—Beverly D’Angelo’s warm and steady Ellen, Randy Quaid’s unforgettable Cousin Eddie, and the entire ensemble of in-laws and extended relatives who bring the perfect blend of dysfunction and charm. Every character feels like someone you’ve had over for Christmas dinner… whether you wanted them there or not.

What makes Christmas Vacation endure is its perfect balance of slapstick humor and genuine heart. Beneath the physical comedy and iconic one-liners lies a relatable message about family, forgiveness, and embracing the imperfections that make the holidays memorable. It celebrates togetherness, chaos and all.

Even decades later, the film holds up beautifully. The jokes land, the characters resonate, and the spirit shines bright. Watching it feels like slipping into a warm, cozy sweater you’ve had forever—slightly frayed, a little silly, but absolutely beloved.

Memorable Quotes

One of the reasons Christmas Vacation has become such a beloved classic is its endlessly quotable dialogue. Fans—especially those of us who experienced it on the big screen—can recite whole scenes by heart. A few standout favorites include:

• Clark’s unshakable optimism:“We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny %@#& Kaye!”A perfect snapshot of his holiday-fevered enthusiasm.

• Cousin Eddie’s legendary sincerity: “Shitter was full!”A line that brought down the theater in 1989 and still does today.

• Clark’s epic meltdown: His rant about his boss and the “jelly-of-the-month club” is the comedic gold standard for holiday stress explosions.

• A quiet but heartfelt exchange: Ellen: “Clark, you set a great example for the kids.”Clark: “Thanks, honey.”Underneath the slapstick, this is what the film is really about.

These quotes—and dozens of others—are part of why Christmas Vacation remains a cherished holiday tradition. They’re funny, quotable, and packed with timeless comedic energy.

Did you Notice

This movie had several future stars in smaller roles, such as Johnny Galecki as Rusty Griswold, Juliette Lewis as Audry Griswold and Julia Louis- Dryfus as Margo the neighbor.

Rating

I know some recent critics claim this is a bad holiday movie. To praphrase Psycho Bob the Cat, who cares what they think cuz, the movie was bold enough to actually kill a cat, so we love this one and give it 4.3 twitching whiskers out of 5. Happy Holidays!