When it comes to Christmas movies, there are so many good films to choose from. Whether that be an animated movie, a spooky Christmas movie, or a traditional Christmas classic, all of them are movies that we can enjoy.

There is one Christmas movie that never seems to fail me as a Christmas movie lover. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is by far one of the best Christmas movies.

The movie is a comedy which features the Griswold family and their out-of-the-ordinary holiday experience. This is the third movie in the National Lampoon series. National Lampoon movies are always chaotic, and the Griswolds constantly end up with misfortune. In the other movies, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) often disappoints his family with his failed attempts to have great vacations. Nothing has changed in this movie; throughout the movie, the Griswold family is faced with continuous misfortune once again.

Clark wants to try to impress his family again. The movie begins with the Griswolds driving to pick out and cut down the perfect Christmas tree for their home. He wants to impress his extended family who is coming to visit for Christmas, so having “the best Christmas ever” is his way of doing so. The tree cutting adventure doesn’t go as planned, and it sets the tone of chaotic misfortune that lasts throughout the entire movie. Through all of the chaos, Clark tries to makes sure to keep his family’s spirits high because he knows he will receive his Christmas bonus soon, and he will surprise them with a special gift.

For people who like to watch traditional Christmas films, this film does incorporate a lot of Christmas traditions. One of the biggest dilemmas the Griswolds have is setting up their Christmas lights on their house. They also have a traditional Christmas dinner.

The way that comedy is used in this film is what makes it so enjoyable. The film is so unpredictable; it never comes off as being redundant.

The film also has some underlying jokes and references, too, making it appealing to most older people, instead of being a strictly children’s film like most other Christmas films.

Cousin Eddie is one of the funniest and most unpredictable characters in the movie. He is a very sloppy person who has issues with social cues.

He enters the film by showing up to the Griswold home uninvited, surprising the entire family. Not only does Eddie show up uninvited himself, but he brings his trailer, his wife, children, and vicious dog.

All in all, the Griswolds are hosting about 15 people which is pretty extreme for the space that they have at the residence.

The end of the film continues the chaos and ends as the Griswolds work to make the best out of their Christmas together.

The movie brings Christmas tradition and chaotic comedy together, which is pretty rare.

If you want a different Christmas movie to watch this year, I would suggest taking a look at National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation along with all the other classics.