The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar: A Holiday Tradition for the Brave
It’s that time of year again—when we all start craving the chaos of Christmas. No, not the shopping, the wrapping, or the endless questions of whether to buy the cheap wrapping paper or the expensive one. We’re talking about the kind of chaos that only the Griswolds can provide: the slapstick humor, the Christmas lights fiascos, the endless supply of holiday-themed snacks, and of course, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
For many of us, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the official holiday movie of choice. From Clark Griswold’s famous line “Where do you think you’re gonna put a tree that big, Griswold?” to Cousin Eddie’s unmatched brand of absurdity, the movie encapsulates all the best and worst parts of the Christmas season. But now, in 2024, there’s something new to add to your growing collection of holiday must-haves: the Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar.
If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the madness that is the Griswold family holiday, this advent calendar promises 24 days of nostalgic holiday mayhem, delivered right to your doorstep. It’s the perfect way to prepare for Christmas in the most over-the-top way possible. But before you rush to your local Costco or online store to snatch one up, let’s dive into the specifics. After all, an advent calendar is more than just a way to pass the days leading up to Christmas. It’s a journey—a journey to Christmas joy, a tiny moment of chaos every day that keeps us entertained. But does the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar live up to the hype?
Why the Griswolds are Your Christmas Spirit Animal
If there’s one thing the Griswolds can teach us, it’s that family holiday traditions don’t have to be perfect to be memorable. And if your Christmas isn’t full of small disasters that somehow end with everyone hugging in front of a giant, multi-colored tree, are you really even celebrating?
Clark Griswold, with his unwavering determination to create the “best damn Christmas” for his family, is essentially the personification of all our holiday ambitions. He’s the one who will literally risk electrocution to make sure the house is lit up like a runway for a Christmas parade. And it’s his crazed optimism that makes us love the Christmas Vacation franchise. We all want to be Clark, right? The cheerful, if not slightly delusional, holiday hero who insists that everything will be perfect—no matter how many things catch on fire.
The National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar? It’s a tribute to this unflappable, slightly manic Christmas spirit. Each day you peel open a window to reveal a small, quirky keepsake from the movie—a figurine, a quote, maybe a miniature Christmas light ornament. It’s a wink and a nod to everything we love (and can’t help but laugh at) in the movie: the chaos, the warmth, and yes, the complete absurdity of it all.
What’s Inside the Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar?
So, what exactly are you getting yourself into here? Well, for starters, it’s not your grandma’s advent calendar. If you’re used to opening up little doors to find chocolates or cute nativity scene miniatures, prepare yourself for something different. This is for the true National Lampoon’s fans. Instead of just chocolate, you’ll find miniature versions of iconic symbols from the movie: tiny versions of Clark’s infamous Christmas lights, perhaps a replica of the sled that launched him into his most memorable holiday accident, or a mini figurine of Cousin Eddie in his beloved bathrobe.
And let’s not forget the quotes. One of the things that made Christmas Vacation so enduring is its ability to deliver lines that have become ingrained in the American Christmas lexicon. “Clark, stop it! I don’t want to spend the holidays dead!” or “We’re kicking off our fun, new family tradition: It’s the Christmas tree that’s gonna kill us all!” These are the lines that make you laugh in the moment and then quote them for the next decade.
Opening each door of the advent calendar is like revisiting your favorite moments from the movie—and trust me, every family member will have their favorite quote or scene. It’s a perfect way to countdown to Christmas if you’re the type of person who appreciates the brand of humor that comes from a little bit of chaos, a dash of warmth, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar: A Canadian Twist?
For those of us in Canada, the holiday season often feels like it comes with its own set of complications—specifically, the cold, the snow, and the fact that we’re usually waiting for our mail to get lost in the blizzard. So when you add the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar into the mix, you’re faced with a problem: Can you find one that ships to Canada, or are you going to have to deal with the crushing disappointment of missing out?
Here’s the thing: the Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar is available in Canada, but like most holiday-themed items, it may not be as easy to come by as your standard, run-of-the-mill gift. For example, Costco’s stock can be hit-or-miss, and let’s be honest—no one enjoys the stress of fighting the crowds for a seasonal item. But if you’re lucky enough to snag one, the calendar will absolutely elevate your holiday season.
And no, shipping fees are not fun. But let’s not be discouraged. The joy of unwrapping a Griswold-inspired mini collectible every day is worth the wait—whether it’s from a local store or the mysterious depths of online shopping.
How Much Does This Griswold Experience Cost?
Now, let’s talk money. How much are you willing to pay for this holiday joyride? If you’re grabbing one from Costco, the price is surprisingly reasonable, especially given that it’s packed with National Lampoon gold. A typical Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar will run you anywhere between $30 to $50, depending on where you snag it. Not bad for 24 days of Griswold magic.
If you’re one of those people who insists on having everything shipped from overseas (for reasons we’ll never understand), you can expect a little more of a price bump due to shipping and handling. But really, the calendar is a small price to pay for the emotional therapy it provides. Every time you open a door and see a tiny version of Clark Griswold’s face staring back at you, you’ll feel like the holiday spirit itself is coming alive.
The Real Gift: Memories and Traditions
But let’s be real here—what makes the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar truly special isn’t just the trinkets inside. It’s what it represents: a celebration of the wild, chaotic, and beautiful moments that come with the Christmas season. Sure, the Griswolds might screw up the tree lighting or have a few mishaps along the way, but ultimately, they show us that Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about being together, enjoying the mess, and laughing until your sides hurt.
This advent calendar is more than just a countdown. It’s a way to relive those moments, to remind yourself that even in the most chaotic times, the holidays are about family, laughter, and, let’s face it, a little bit of dysfunction. And isn’t that what we love most about Christmas?
So, go ahead. Order that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent Calendar. Let the Griswolds be your guide as you navigate the holiday season with a smile, a few laughs, and perhaps a little bit of family chaos. It’s a tradition worth starting—and if you haven’t already, maybe it’s time to make it yours.
