There are many things that make Christmas such a special time of the year. However, only a select few define the holiday. Without them, well, it doesn’t really feel like Christmas.
“Christmas Vacation,” is one of those few.
If you can’t identify with at least one of the Griswold Christmas catastrophes (or fun, family memories) then you haven’t done Christmas correctly.
Misjudging the living room’s vertical limit; violating several health codes with the number of people sharing the same bathroom; blinding everyone within a five-block radius with your holiday decorations; and, of course, that over-the-top gift that might be misconstrued as kidnapping.
With the possible exception of that last one, we all know the real reason this movie is so funny isn’t because it’s an exaggeration of the truth, but a spot-on representation of the holiday/family gathering. Or at least a conglomeration of the best moments.
The Griswolds reminds us all that if it can go wrong, it probably will. So, just remember to have a sense of humor.
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