For some, it might feel too early to dive into holiday movies; for others, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. But for this reviewer, there’s never a wrong moment to revisit a film—classic or contemporary—that captures the spirit of the season. With the festive months fast approaching, nostalgia is in full swing. One by one, I’m revisiting films that have made us laugh, cry, reflect, and remember what makes this time of year so meaningful.
First up on the list: a Chevy Chase holiday staple, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Released in the late 1980s, the film centers around the Griswold family—a portrait of the quintessential American middle class. Clark Griswold, the devoted father and blue-collar dreamer, is determined to give his family a picture-perfect Christmas. Like so many of us, he sees the holidays as a time for family, tradition, and togetherness—a season filled with high hopes and even higher expectations. And, as anyone who’s seen it knows, his big plans come with even bigger (and more hilarious) complications.
One Wild Crazy Ride
Moviegoers are first introduced to the delightfully dysfunctional Griswold family during a drive down a snowy highway on their way to pick out a Christmas tree. In classic Clark Griswold fashion, what should be a simple family outing quickly turns into an over-the-top adventure—one that forces his wife and kids to do what they do best: hold on tight and hope for the best.
From the opening scene, it’s clear that Clark is a man driven by more than just holiday cheer. His enthusiasm borders on obsession, fueled less by the spirit of Christmas and more by the spirits of greed, envy, and good old-fashioned commercialism.
Christmas National Lampoon Style
As the story unfolds, we see that Clark is a dreamer with big ambitions—especially when it comes to giving his family the ultimate holiday experience. But his grand plans depend on a long-awaited Christmas bonus from his tightfisted boss, a man who could easily give Ebenezer Scrooge a run for his money.
The family gathering that follows is pure chaos, filled with uninvited guests, clashing personalities, and comedic calamities at every turn. Still, Clark remains undeterred. As The Saturday Evening Post notes,
“Opening on December 1, 1989, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” finds Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold trying to put together the perfect Christmas at home despite an increasingly large number of houseguests and an ongoing series of disasters.”
Despite every red flag and warning sign, Clark barrels forward—proving that when it comes to Christmas, his optimism (and stubbornness) know no bounds.
John Hughes Strikes Gold
Every formula John Hughes employed in crafting this story hit its mark—resulting in a film that remains both phenomenal and unforgettable. As The Saturday Evening Post further observed,
“The film went on to become the highest-grossing installment in the original Vacation series. It has since evolved into a modern holiday classic, earning multiple home video re-releases and special editions while remaining a perennial television favorite.”
A Holiday Classic for the Ages
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” delivers everything fans love about classic holiday comedies—outrageous humor, slapstick chaos, a dose of nostalgia, and, at its core, a heartfelt reminder of what truly matters most: family.
Because when it comes down to it, no one will love you, tolerate your quirks, or stand by you through the madness quite like family. It’s a timeless message that extends far beyond the holiday season. So, as the lights go up and the festive spirit fills the air, take another trip down memory lane with “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”—a hilarious and heartwarming reminder of the magic that comes with home, laughter, and togetherness.
Uncut Diamonds 