Yule crack up with laughter at 'Vacation' (RE-WATCH)

‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ is, by far, one of the funniest Christmas movies ever. Since its release in December 1989, the holiday comedy has been seen in several TV airings and has become one of the most-watched holiday modern classics ever. Now, you can see the crazy Christmas antics of the Griswolds on the big screen during the ‘12 Movies of Christmas’ festival!

In the hysterical holiday modern classic ‘Christmas Vacation,’ as the holidays approach, Clark Griswold wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen, and the children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations.

However, things go awry very quickly.

His cousin, Eddie, and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark’s employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.

‘Christmas Vacation’ is one of those movies that will make you break out in hysterics no matter how many times you have seen it. I have seen it probably hundreds of times and still can’t stop laughing. Filled with numerous memorable moments, this modern holiday classic features some crazy antics that involve all ages of the Griswold family and humorous moments that involve Clark. I mean, his hysterical breakdown over the holiday lights is simply one of the funniest. And, of course, once Cousin Eddie becomes a part, the character simply steals the show.

In between all the laughs, there are a few moments that are really heart-felt. So, during the holiday festival, check in with the Griswolds at the Dietrich! With loads of laughs and some heart, ‘Christmas Vacation’ never disappoints!

The cast: Chevy Chase as Clark, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen, Juliette Lewis as Audrey, Johnny Galecki as Rusty, John Randolph as Clark Sr., Diane Ladd as Nora, E.G. Marshall as Art, Doris Roberts as Francis, William Hickey as William, Mae Questel as Bethany, Miriam Flynn as Cousin Catharine and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie.

‘Christmas Vacation’ was written by John Hughes (Planes, Trains & Automobiles; Home Alone 1 and 2) and directed by Jeremiah Chechik.

‘Christmas Vacation’ originated from a short story by late writer John Hughes called ‘Christmas ‘59,’ which was published in the Dec. 1980 issue of National Lampoon. Director Chris Columbus (Home Alone 1 and 2; The Christmas Chronicles 2) was slated to direct this movie, but he clashed with actor Chase.

This was the final movie featuring Mae Questel (Aunt Bethany), whose film career began in 1930, as the voice of Betty Boop. Despite being a Christmas movie, it is never actually seen on Christmas Day since the movie ends on Christmas Eve.

In 2003, NBC aired a sequel to the movie called ‘Christmas Vacation 2’ which focuses on the Cousin Eddie character and his holiday mishaps with his family.

When the 1989 movie was released, it received decent reviews from critics. During its initial release, ‘Christmas Vacation’ earned $72.9 million domestically.

‘Christmas Vacation’ is rated PG-13 and has a running time of 97 minutes.