It all starts with the hunt for a Christmas tree as Clark Griswold tries to give his family an old-fashioned Christmas.

The Griswolds have a long history of messing up everything they touch, and with the help of Cousin Eddie, Christmas is no exception. Whether you have this movie on your favorite Christmas movie lists or not, it does get airtime every year for the holidays. There is just something about Clark’s obsession with putting a gazillion lights on the house that makes us give a side-eye to our neighbor’s home. Or our entire block. Or our own family members.

This rollicking family holiday film features Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprising their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold. Rusty is played by Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory, Roseanne) and Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape) as Audrey.

Clark is anticipating his Christmas bonus, which gives him the ability to withstand the insanity that is about to descend upon his home when Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and Catherine (Miriam Flynn) show up with their two kids and a Rottweiler named Snot.  

While the story revolves around Clark’s anticipated bonus check, the spotlight is on the dysfunction of the entire Griswold clan, including senile Aunt Bethany. Christmas dinner has all of the trimmings, including a Jello salad filled with cat food.

Of course as in all Lampoon movies, there are mild pull-my-finger jokes, much mayhem and destruction, angry neighbors and co-workers, and a cringe-worthy family dialog. Everyone rallies round Clark when things go south for him, and the family pulls together to try and make things right. Even Cousin Eddie who has no redeeming qualities to speak of, goes to bat for Clark in the end. Somewhere within the madness, they found the meaning of Christmas.

This film hit the theaters in 1989 and was a John Hughes (Home Alone) creation. The casting is rich with big names who all wanted to get in on this project, and it has reviews that say things like ‘while it is not the most disciplined comedy, it got enough laughs and good cheer to make for a solid seasonal treat’. Kinda like the Jelly of the Month Club.

While this film is in the Vacation Series of movies, it does not involve the Griswold’s leaving their own home.

Chevy Chase broke his pinky finger in the scene where he pitches a fit on the lawn and destroys the plastic decorations in the yard. It is rated PG, but in the UK they had to remove an F-bomb in order to get the PG rating. Whether or not this is a family movie kinda depends on what kind of a family you have.

It's stupid; it's silly; it's still a Christmas movie that demands popcorn and probably some type of adult beverage. 

No matter what kind of family you have, you want to bring them gifts for the season, and we’ve got gifts for you to give. Check out all of these handmade goodies that would look great under your Christmas tree.

Falling Leaves Pattern for Autumn Bath Towel Set

Butterfly in the Attic

Mini Thank You Cards in Neon Bright Colors 3" Set of 10

ClaireMDesigns2

Butterfly Earrings

Victorian Style Treasures 

Rustic Friendsgiving Sticker Labels 

Adore by Nat

Lime Green Peach Lampwork Earring

Shadow Dog Designs 

Artisan Lampwork Bracelet Floral Hearts Swarovski Crystals Peridot Crystals

Magdalene Jewels

Green Blue Black White Lampwork Necklace

Covergirl Beads

Sea Breeze Hummingbird Pendant

Rivendell Rocks Sedona 

Afzelia Pendant Faceted Agate Beaded Necklace 

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd

Pride Bracelet 

Lindab142

Lamp Work Cat Body Necklaces

The Singing Beader

Silvertone Chain Necklace 18-inch Pink Owl Jewelry for Women Teen Pendant

Blue Morning Expressions 

Don’t see what you want here?
Here are some more places to shop handmade by these artists, and if nothing else, ask one of them to create something for you.
Countdown to Christmas 2022
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More Places to Shop:
Favorite Christmas Movies - How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Story 
Favorite Christmas Movies - Miracle on 34th Street
Favorite  Christmas Movies - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Favorite Christmas Movies - A Christmas Carol
Favorite Christmas Movies - Home Alone
Favorite Christmas Movies - It's a Wonderful Life

Check back for more gift ideas.
Happy gift giving, 
Julie