What Is the Poster in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” then you’re probably familiar with the poster that hangs in the Griswold family’s home. The poster features a beautiful woman in a one-piece swimsuit and Santa hat, posing seductively with a strand of Christmas lights.

Many people have wondered about the origins of this iconic poster. Some have even speculated that it was created specifically for the movie. However, the truth is that the poster was actually a real product that was sold in stores during the 1980s.

The poster was created by a company called Pro Arts Inc., which was known for producing posters featuring attractive women in various settings. The company’s founder, Stanley Mouse, was a well-known artist who had worked on album covers for musicians such as the Grateful Dead and Journey.

The particular model featured in the Christmas Vacation poster is named Nicolette Scorsese. Scorsese was an actress and model who had appeared in several movies and TV shows before being cast in Christmas Vacation. She played Mary, a saleswoman at the lingerie counter where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) goes to buy a gift for his wife.

According to Scorsese, she didn’t initially realize how popular the poster would become. She thought it would just be another job like any other modeling gig. However, when she saw how many people had bought copies of it and how many fans of the movie had it hanging up in their homes, she realized just how big of an impact it had made.

So why did director Jeremiah S. Chechik choose to include this particular poster in Christmas Vacation? According to him, he wanted to use something that would contrast with Clark Griswold’s wholesome family values and add an element of humor to the scene where he is trying to buy lingerie for his wife.

In conclusion, while the origins of the poster in Christmas Vacation may be surprising to some, it’s clear that it has become a beloved and iconic part of the movie. Whether you view it as a humorous addition or simply appreciate it for its nostalgic value, there’s no denying that it has become an integral part of Christmas Vacation lore.