Christmas Vacation is a timeless holiday classic that has been enjoyed by millions of people over the years. It’s a movie that never gets old no matter how many times you watch it.
One of the most frequently asked questions about the movie is what year it is set in. In this article, we will answer that question and provide some context around the time period in which the movie takes place.
Introduction
Released in 1989, Christmas Vacation is the third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series. The movie follows Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, as he tries to create the perfect Christmas for his family. As with all of Clark’s plans, things don’t go quite as he intended, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings.
The Time Period
Christmas Vacation takes place in the late 1980s, specifically in 1989. This can be seen through a number of different details throughout the movie.
For example, Clark’s boss Frank Shirley gives him a “Jelly of the Month” club subscription as a Christmas bonus, which was popular at the time. Additionally, when Clark goes to buy gifts for his family at the mall, he passes by a Waldenbooks store which was also popular during that time period.
The Fashion
One of the most obvious indicators of the time period is in the fashion choices made by characters throughout the movie. From Ellen Griswold’s oversized sweaters to Cousin Eddie’s white shoes and matching belt, there are plenty of fashion choices that scream “late 80s”. Even Clark himself sports a pair of pleated khaki pants and an oversized sweater vest.
The Technology
Technology also plays a role in setting Christmas Vacation in the late 1980s. The Griswold family’s home is outfitted with a number of gadgets and gizmos that were popular during that time period.
For example, Clark uses a VHS tape to record his family’s Christmas celebration, which was cutting-edge technology at the time. Additionally, when Clark is trying to turn on the Christmas lights, he uses a giant switch that looks like something out of a science fiction movie.
Conclusion
Christmas Vacation is set in 1989 and provides a glimpse into what life was like during that time period. From the fashion choices to the technology, there are plenty of details throughout the movie that help to place it firmly in the late 80s. Despite being over 30 years old, the movie remains as funny and relevant as ever, proving that great comedy truly is timeless.