Was the Christmas Vacation Song Written for the Movie?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you’ve likely found yourself humming along to the catchy theme song, “Christmas Vacation.” But have you ever wondered if the song was written specifically for the movie? Let’s take a closer look.

The History of “Christmas Vacation” Song

“Christmas Vacation” was written by husband-and-wife songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The duo had previously written hits such as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” for The Righteous Brothers and “On Broadway” for The Drifters.

The song was first recorded in 1989 by actress and singer Jane Lynch, who would later gain fame for her role on the TV show “Glee.” However, it wasn’t until it was featured in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” in 1989 that it gained widespread popularity.

The Role of “Christmas Vacation” Song in the Movie

The song plays during the opening credits of the film, accompanied by an animated sequence depicting Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) attempting to decorate his house with an excessive number of Christmas lights.

Later in the film, when Clark’s cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) arrives unexpectedly with his family, Eddie joins Clark’s boss Frank Shirley (played by Brian Doyle-Murray) in singing a comically off-key rendition of “Christmas Vacation” while they drink eggnog.

Conclusion

While “Christmas Vacation” was not written specifically for the movie, its inclusion added to the overall charm and humor of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The catchy tune has become a holiday staple and is beloved by fans of both the movie and holiday music alike.