When it comes to Christmas movies, one that always seems to be on the top of everyone’s list is “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” But have you ever wondered why it’s called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?” Let’s dive into the history of this classic holiday film.
The Beginnings of National Lampoon
To understand why the movie is called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” we first need to know about National Lampoon. It was a popular American humor magazine that was founded in 1970 and ran until 1998. The magazine featured satirical articles, comics, and illustrations that often poked fun at politics, pop culture, and social norms.
The Rise of National Lampoon
Over time, National Lampoon grew in popularity and became a cultural phenomenon. It led to various spin-offs such as radio shows, live performances, and even movies. These movies were often raunchy comedies that were not afraid to push boundaries or offend sensibilities.
“National Lampoon’s Vacation”
In 1983, a movie was released with the title “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” It was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold – an average man who embarks on a road trip with his family to visit an amusement park. The movie was a commercial success and spawned several sequels including “European Vacation” and “Vegas Vacation.”
“Christmas Vacation”
Fast forward to 1989 when the third installment of the series was released – “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” In this movie, we see Clark Griswold trying to create a perfect Christmas for his family but things go awry when his extended family arrives unexpectedly.
So Why Is It Called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?”
The reason why the movie is called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is that it was produced by John Hughes who had a long-standing relationship with National Lampoon. While the movie was not based on any specific article or comic from the magazine, it still carried the National Lampoon brand.
The Legacy of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
Over time, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” became a holiday classic that people watch every year. The movie’s popularity has led to various merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, and even ugly Christmas sweaters. It also spawned a spin-off made-for-TV movie called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” gets its name from the fact that it was produced by John Hughes who had a long-standing relationship with National Lampoon. While the movie is not based on any specific article or comic from the magazine, it still carries the National Lampoon brand.
The movie has become a holiday classic that people watch every year and has spawned various merchandise and even a spin-off. So next time you watch this classic holiday film, you’ll know why it’s called “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”