Who doesn’t love a good story time before bed? Children enjoy being read a bedtime story right before closing their eyes, and adults do the same thing, but instead, they read fiction and fantasy novels. Now, have you heard of a short story called “Christmas ‘59?’” According to thewoodword.org, the short story written by John Hughes is what the film is adapted from. It follows a family who suffers from chaos at the most unfortunate times during Christmas, just like the Griswolds.
Hughes’ short story sounds like a good time, and whether you’re reading it to your kids or reading it on your own, you might even find that you relate to the family dynamics. You could have your own Cousin Eddie, and perhaps you’ve even experienced a squirrel in your Christmas tree.
Did you find yourself getting deja vu when watching Christmas Vacation? When you saw the Griswold’s house, did you start to get flashes of nostalgia or familiarity, particularly of a witchy character? If so, you were likely remembering the house in the classic show Bewitched. That’s right, Clark Griswold’s home is the same one Samantha Stevens used.
Universes collide in this home: a 400-year-old witch and a family steeped in Christmas chaos. Two very different projects for the same house to be used in, but I guess that’s what makes the film and television industry so innovative. Next time you watch the film, watch for parts of the house you recognize from the witchy show!
The film was written and co-produced by John Hughes, whose name you may recognize from Home Alone and The Breakfast Club. He has a lot of prestige to his name, but the man wasn’t too eager regarding sequels. You can’t blame him, though, because an adequate number of sequels made for hit movies don’t typically turn out well.
It looks like Hughes had the right idea because the sequel, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2, didn’t receive the best response. It has a 2.7/10 on IMDb and a whopping 13% rotten tomatoes, a drastic difference from the first film's 7.5/10 rating and 71% rotten tomatoes.
Today, Christmas movies are made and released like the world forgets it’s Christmas time and needs a reminder, but the same fervor for Christmas films can’t be said for the year 1989. On the cusp of the ‘90s, only two holiday films were released: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Prancer.
It appears the production companies didn’t have much Christmas spirit this year! Despite the few films made for the Christmas holiday, 1989 had two movies that gave very different experiences. One that’s more realistic, with family drama and chaos, and another that is more fantastical and heartfelt. Whichever one you decide to watch this Christmas, both are sure to give you a good laugh or cheer you up with some Christmas spirit!
Since the film is about spending time with family, despite unfortunate and unexplainable chaos, the Griswold children are a key part of the movie’s appeal. Audrey and Rusty Griswold are siblings who express their shared annoyance at their parents' attempt to bond with their loved ones and to excessively decorate for the holiday.
If you’ve seen the film, you know that Audrey is more inclined to eye rolls and great heaving sighs, while Rusty is prone to assisting, sometimes reluctantly, his dad in his Christmas antics. What you might not know is that Audrey is older than Rusty in the Griswold family. The actors, Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki, only had a two-year difference between them, so this fact isn’t a far-fetched astonishment. Even though Audrey is taller, some may think Rusty has an older-looking face.
Probably one of the most shocking facts behind the film is that it shares meaning with the feel-good oldie It’s A Wonderful Life. Remember the chainsaw scene in Christmas Vacation? Not the one where Clark Griswold wears a hockey mask and looks eerily similar to Jason Vorhees. The other chainsaw scene with the wobbly newel post.
Apparently, the scene where Clark cuts off the broken newel post with a chainsaw is reminiscent of a similar scene in It’s A Wonderful Life. If you’ve seen the 1946 film, you know that the protagonist, George Bailey, also has a loose newel post. Beyond the newel post, the movie's connections stem from both protagonists struggling with family and life during Christmas.
The cast for the Christmas comedy film was stacked with one impressive name after another. Before the Vacation films, you may know Chevy Chase from SNL, who showcased his impressive deadpan comedy and coined the line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night.” Then you have the infamous Beverly D’Angelo, who’s made a name for herself beyond Ellen Griswold: you may know her as Doris Vineyard in American History X or Patsy Cline in Coal Miner’s Daughter.
We can’t forget Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid. Eddie is an unforgettable character – I mean, the unpleasant sight of him cleaning out his RV sewage in nothing but a very short robe is bound to brand the picture on your eyelids. Then there’s Audrey and Rusty Griswold, played by Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki. You might recognize Lewis from the TV show Yellowjackets and Galecki from The Big Bang Theory.
Stanley Kubrick, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and mastery of dark, thought-provoking films, indirectly inspired National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation through his unique approach to cinema. While Kubrick's works, such as A Clockwork Orange and The Shining, are far removed from holiday comedies, his influence on filmmakers stretched across genres.
Here’s some fun information: Director Jeremiah Chechik began his career as a fashion photographer for Vogue. Stanley Kubrick praised his photography, and because of his renowned imprint on filmmaking, Kubrick’s comment gained the attention Chechik needed to start his director debut. Studios started to send Chechik scripts, to which Christmas Vacation caught his eye the most, and now we have the memorable film. Thanks, Stanley!
When director Jeremiah Chechik signed on to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, he was essentially stepping into unknown territory. In fact, Chechik had no prior experience with the previous Vacation films, including the iconic National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) or its sequel European Vacation (1985). This lack of familiarity with the franchise could have been a problem, but Chechik embraced it with his flare.
The decision to go in blind could have been a disaster, but obviously, it was a blessing in disguise. The film became an infamous holiday movie that many adore for its familial chaos. Rather than being intimidated by his lack of Vacation film knowledge, he took the chance to make the film his own, tapping into his comedic sensibilities and turning the Griswold family’s holiday disaster into a cult classic.
The film’s success could be said to come from the impressive cast or the director’s interesting comedic techniques. But is it too superficial to say it comes from the budget? A large budget is always great for a film, regardless of genre. The possibilities are endless!
Director Chechik probably used the budget to cover the squirrel in the Christmas tree, so instead of a fake one, we got a real one…or is a squirrel too unpredictable for a film studio? Then, the SWAT scene was one of destruction, chaos, and comedy timing. How do you think the scene looked so realistic? You can’t create that kind of action – glass breaking and policemen flying into a scene – with a cheap budget!
Film Critics are crucial for a film’s success and views. Despite Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation receiving decent ratings, known film critic Roger Ebert didn’t particularly enjoy the movie. According to RogerEbert.com, the actors are great, but the “rhythm and pacing of the movie don’t help them much.” To add to his dislikes, Ebert continues by stating his disappointment with the film’s lack of depth with the in-laws and the aunt and uncle.
A potentially controversial statement from Ebert is that perhaps “the film’s problem is with the director.” A perfect film is hard to come by, so some not-so-kind statements from a film critic may have weight, but evidently, it wasn’t enough to make the film slump into the depths of media scrutiny. If you align with Ebert’s view of Christmas Vacation, what do you consider to be the reason for your dislike?
Despite being part of a series known for its misadventures, Christmas Vacation was the only installment that truly resonated with audiences, earning a beloved place in holiday film history. The Griswold family’s Christmas disaster was so iconic that it made sense to revisit them in Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure, but this time, they were bathing in the sunlight of the South Pacific.
However, rather than Clark’s family, we follow Eddie and his family, who become shipwrecked on a tropical island during the holidays. The first Christmas Vacation installment was such a hit that the producers and directors probably saw an opportunity to make an equally invigorating sequel. However, Eddie’s Christmas Vacation didn’t turn out as well as the first: it has a 2.7/10 rating on IMDb!
One thing about the Vacation films is that the kids, Audrey and Rusty Griswold, have different actors portraying them in every film. Rusty has a baby face, short stature, and brown hair in one film. Then, in the next movie, he’s taller, skinnier, and blonde. When Juliette Lewis played Audrey, the character had large curly hair and a no-nonsense vibe, but then in Christmas Vacation 2, she loses that voluminous hair and, instead, has pin-straight locks with a much taller build.
Even though the actors constantly change, the characters’ appeal and impression on the franchise are still alive. Well, at least Audrey’s is. In the second installment of Christmas Vacation, Audrey is the only Griswold to make a grand appearance. It may not be Juliette Lewis, but you might recognize her from the first Vacation film. Dana Barron’s return was a pleasant sight for the franchise and its appeal to the masses.
Cousin Eddie is one of the most memorable aspects of Christmas Vacation. The iconic hillbilly character has left a mark on the media. Cousin Eddie is a great costume idea for Halloween, and he’s perfect for an inside family joke. The character also has some relatability; we’re sure some unfortunate souls can relate to Clark and his dejection toward his redneck cousin.
But you can’t have an iconic character without an iconic actor. Randy Quaid is known for his comedic roles in some 80s and 90s films, such as Independence Day and Kingpin. He also played Joe Aguirre in the romance-western movie Brokeback Mountain. Quaid has a certain talent for comedy roles that no one could have portrayed Cousin Eddie like he did.
If the thought of having a Cousin Eddie in your life terrifies you, the sentence above will send you running. Apparently, to everyone’s horror, Cousin Eddie was inspired by a real person. That’s right: someone saw a hillbilly man, perhaps named Eddie, standing outside their home with only a robe on and taking out the toilet.
Maybe he was part of the family, a friend, or just a stranger passing by, but regardless of whether you have a Cousin Eddie in your life, he may have been the one to inspire the character. However, don’t feel despair if you have an Eddie in your family tree; some good can come from it. If you love dogs, you can pet Snot…wash your hands afterward, though. If you’re dying to get out of your hometown, you can take Eddie’s RV or ride along with him and his family, but be careful when driving; it may crumble into pieces on the road!
If you’ve been needing a dickie in your wardrobe or have been struggling to find a Christmas gift for a male friend or family member, fret not because I have the solution for you! You can purchase your own dickie like Eddie’s on the internet. When you need something new or a different vibe to your wardrobe, buy a dickie like Cousin Eddie’s, and you’ll be sure to turn heads.
You could also wear Eddie’s dickie shirt if you had the sudden urge to dress like the character. It makes for a good laugh! Whatever your intention is for a dickie like Eddie’s, you can buy it from Amazon or UglyChristmasSweater.com. Be careful who you give it to because you may be hinting that you see them as a Cousin Eddie!
Remember Rocky? Eddie’s son? If not, don’t feel bad because the kid doesn’t have one line of dialogue. Unfortunate for the child actor, since he couldn’t make his big acting debut. However, the choice to have Rocky mute in the movie could be intentional. Perhaps it’s a way to characterize Eddie’s son, Rocky, who is shy, quiet, and not prone to talk even to family.
Or…the studio couldn’t afford to pay another actor, but wouldn’t the abnormally large budget for the comedy film make up for that? It’s odd, though, because Rocky’s sister, Ruby Sue, has a few lines of dialogue. I mean, she has a whole scene with Uncle Clark when he was fantasizing about the pool. Maybe Rocky is the shy one, and Ruby Sue is the talkative, outgoing one of the duo.
If you know Mae Questel, you may or may not know she voiced the iconic character Betty Boop. Go back and watch Christmas Vacation and tell me if you hear it now that you know this tidbit of information. It’s so clear, right? Her voice is so tranquil, whimsy, and high-pitched that you can hear Betty Boop as if she were there.
Before acting, Questel started her career as an impressionist. Her portrayal of Betty Boop is built on raw talent! She’s voiced Olive Oyl from the cartoon Popeye and the infamous Minnie Mouse. You’ve probably heard her voice without realizing it, and if you got a sense of deja vu or nostalgia when you watched Christmas Vacation now you know why.
We have another renowned voice actor in our midst! Miriam Flynn has dipped her toes into the realm of Looney Tunes. She voiced the character Jean Tazmanian Devil, the loving and hard-working mother of Taz, Molly, and Jake. Not that much different to her character in Christmas Vacation: Cousin Catherine is a loving mother who tries hard to create a delicious Christmas dinner. Well, you know, besides drying the turkey out like the Sahara Desert.
Do you remember those dinosaur films that somehow always hit you with emotional turmoil called The Land Before Time? If so, you may recognize Flynn’s voice from Grandma Longneck. The loving and adorable dinosaur could talk to Littlefoot with a comforting voice, which was all Miriam’s talent.
Aunt Bethany and Uncle Louis’s arrival in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is one of the most unforgettable moments in the film—mostly because it literally shakes the house. As they arrive in their elderly, somewhat senile glory, Aunt Bethany’s surprise entrance sets the tone for their chaotic presence.
Aunt Bethany and Uncle Louis perfectly blend absurdity and dark humor into the holiday madness. Their quirky antics, like Aunt Bethany’s love for wrapping up her cat as a gift and Uncle Louis’s total obliviousness to his own clumsiness, escalate the tension in a way only they could. Their entrance is a moment that proves how essential they are to the holiday mayhem, providing the perfect mix of physical comedy and family dysfunction that makes Christmas Vacation a classic.
In England, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation took a rather unconventional route to audiences, being released directly to video rather than having a traditional theatrical release. This was somewhat of a surprise, considering the film’s success in the United States, where it immediately became a holiday favorite.
However, in the UK, the film found its first audience through VHS rental stores, and like many American comedies of the time, it had to build its following through home video. This direct-to-video release was not unusual for certain types of films, but it didn’t stop Christmas Vacation from eventually becoming a beloved part of the British holiday tradition, just as it did in the States.
If you’ve seen the Vacation films before the Griswold’s Christmas chaos, you should recognize the “Holiday Road” song made specifically for the film franchise. It was composed and recorded by Lindsey Buckingham and has made an appearance in the 1983 Vacation movie, along with the European and Vegas sequels.
While the song was featured in several of the films, Christmas Vacation is an exception. It is odd the holiday song was omitted from a holiday movie. Wouldn’t it have added to the chaotic, family Christmas movie? Perhaps the director thought the holiday cheer was already enough, and the film didn’t need a song to add to it.
Scores are great ways to depict a film's emotional weight and tone. Angelo Badalamenti was great at doing exactly that with his harmonious talent. If you’ve seen Blue Velvet, The Straight Story, or Mulholland Drive, then your ears have witnessed the wonderful composers' musical grace.
Badalamenti composed Christmas Vacation’s score, giving the film its tone of whimsy and disjointed family Christmas mayhem. There’s a lot that goes into a movie’s success; it’s not just the actors and how well they do their job. It’s also producers, writers, directors, and, of course, the score composer. Angelo created a piece of music for an iconic Christmas film that will never diminish in its lovely flourishing melody.
Randy Quaid, best known for his role as the outlandish Cousin Eddie in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, has an interesting family connection that might surprise some: he is a third cousin of the legendary Western star and holiday singer Gene Autry. While the two have vastly different careers, both shared a flair for entertainment—Autry as the "Singing Cowboy" and Christmas icon, and Quaid as the wild, unpredictable character actor.
Autry was known for his clean-cut, all-American persona, while Quaid carved out a career playing eccentric, often out-of-control characters—none more beloved than the bumbling yet lovable Cousin Eddie. Nonetheless, this family connection adds an extra layer of charm to Quaid’s already unforgettable performance, as if some of Autry’s festive spirit might have rubbed off on him after all.
The chaotic comedy begins in the magical and wintry environment of Breckenridge, Colorado. When the Griswold family is searching for an authentic Christmas tree, you may have recognized the alabaster white landscape. The inches of snow the Griswolds were walking in just to find the perfect tree should have been a blaring giveaway to the historic town they were in.
If you’ve visited the rich and legendary winterscape of Breckenridge, then you may have recognized the town when watching the film. Did you get hit with memories of snowboarding and skiing or visiting the infamous historic center and gazing at the beautiful mountain peaks? The frosty terrain definitely added to the Christmas vibe of the movie.
The Griswold parents and daughter had a delightful reunion in 2012. Old Navy was selling an item called “pop pants,” and in the commercial, the actors embodied their roles once more. The commercial highlights the infamous scene where Clark tries to show everyone the beauty of his work with the Christmas lights, and a game of back-and-forth ensues.
Chevy Chase takes on Clark, the patriarch of the Griswold family, by attempting to plug in his hard work, and a funny misunderstanding of what light switch is keeping the lights from working begins. Then, Beverly D’Angelo and Juliette Lewis reprise their roles as Clark’s wife and daughter by providing sighs and eye rolls.
Rusty and Clark Griswold had a meaningful and heartfelt relationship in the film – Rusty reluctantly supported his father’s Christmas wish for a jolly holiday with family. He endured long hours of decorating the Griswold home with countless Christmas lights and decorations, so their father-son dynamic is important to the theme of the film.
However, there is one father-son scene that Johnny Galecki regrets losing. It was a heartwarming one-on-one moment that could have signified a generational passing down of Christmas tradition: a love for the merry holiday. This would have been an impactful scene for the actors, characters, and audience. Regardless, even though the scene was cut, Rusty and Clark’s relationship is one that warms hearts.
Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo were both eager to return to their iconic roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold. After the success of the first two Vacation films, the duo was excited to reunite for another misadventure with the Griswold family. Both actors had a great time working together and were enthusiastic about bringing the chaos of a Christmas holiday to the big screen.
Chase, ever the comedic master, was particularly keen on returning to Clark’s well-meaning but perpetually overwhelmed patriarch character. At the same time, D'Angelo was eager to reprise her role as the long-suffering yet supportive Ellen. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they were excited to explore a new chapter in the Griswold family’s misfortunes.
If you were just like Chase and D’Angelo and shared their eagerness for another sequel, you would be pleased to learn about the next Vacation film, Vegas Vacation. The Griswolds embark on a family trip to Las Vegas, where each member is set on their own misadventures.
Similar to the Griswold’s holiday shenanigans, their trip to the Sin City was just as chaotic and fun. Ellen develops a crush on Wayne Newton, who is a lounge performer in the film. Clark gets a little crazy with his gambling hand, while Rusty takes a chance with the dice, and Audrey explores some nightclubs.
Many of the actors in Christmas Vacation have comedy and improv backgrounds, so it’s no surprise several lines in the movie were improvised. One of these fun improvisations was Clark’s rant about his boss. The insults flew off Chevy Chase’s tongue, and you could feel his rage as if it were your own.
A moment you may not have realized was improvised was Ellen Griswold’s hand placement in the police scene. In the event of a Swat team raiding the Griswold home, Ellen, or rather Beverly D’Angelo, decides on a whim to grab Clark’s…unmentionable. It’s the whole gag of the scene, and it makes an interesting surprise to the audience. The comedic timing will make anyone chuckle.
