This year, whether by repeated viewings or simply a gradual change of heart, I’ve finally come around to enjoying one of Andy’s favorite Christmas movies, ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ which came out in 1989. For decades, I’ve avoided this film because I wanted nothing to do with National Lampoon anything. Only Andy could break me down and get me to try something new. And happily, after watching it about four times straight through on one of its many marathon showings, I came around to Chevy Chase’s own brand of humor and, yes, charm. But it wasn’t that, or even the underlying themes of family and forgiveness that come up.
Instead, it’s the little in-between moments that reveal themselves as true indicators of the season, like so much of life. Not the slapstick highpoint of that super-charged sleigh ride or the ill-fated Christmas tree or disappearing kitty, but just the insignificant moments like that awkward entry-way arrival of extended family or the quiet attic reminiscence while donning a Little Edie turban. Those are the real holiday highlights that comprise a family Christmas, and that’s what speaks to me about this movie.
As for Andy’s other recommendation, that would be ‘Scrooged’, which I loved from the moment I saw it in the theater. Sign me up for any Ebenezer movie, because fictional heroes like that don’t come around too often.
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