National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation + Popcorn = The Smartphone Projector 2.0 Experience

Danna Bananas
January 2026

It's Not Too Late to Talk About This, Right?!

 Beverly D'Angelo, Chevy Chase, Diane Ladd and John Randolph in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Photo by Warner Bros.

The days are darker and the holidays are over (so, why not)… but what better time to reminisce about my one and only trip to the Cineplex to see my ultimate holiday movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! 🎄✨

Fun fact: Christmas Vacation first hit theatres on December 1, 1989, which means it turned 35 in 2024. And honestly, it’s still the perfect mix of hilarity, heart, and holiday chaos. This movie gets what the holidays are really like. Messy, stressful, but filled with love and laughter.

Maybe it’s Clark Griswold’s relentless optimism. He’s trying so hard to make everything perfect for that “ideal” Christmas.

The humour is just timeless. Whether it’s the squirrel in the tree, Clark’s epic meltdown, or Cousin Eddie being, well… Cousin Eddie (you know the scene), it’s impossible not to laugh, no matter how many times you’ve watched.

And let’s not forget the cozy, nostalgic vibes. 80s Christmas lights, classic decorations, and those old-school car trips (since I’m the youngest, I was always in the back seat… and yes, we had a brown station wagon) that just felt like a simpler time. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm holiday hug.

Beneath all the slapstick comedy and sarcasm, there’s a heartfelt story about love, family, and keeping the holiday spirit alive, even when everything goes hilariously wrong.

So, calling all Cousin Eddies and Aunt Bethanys. Don’t miss your chance to deck the halls with laughter at this modern holiday classic. 😄

And if you haven’t seen it yet, add it to your 2025 Christmas watchlist. Seriously, you’ve got to see it! 🎅✨

When I make time to see a movie, which isn’t easy for me, I want to be entertained, not scared. There’s already enough fear in the world as it is.

Here’s to eating popcorn and laughing my head off! 🍿😂

And don’t forget, National Popcorn Day falls on January 19th.

And speaking of entertainment, the Smartphone Projector 2.0 is perfect for bringing the movie theatre experience home. Just dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and project your favourite holiday classics straight from your phone. 🎥✨

That whole Griswold vibe is exactly why this movie feels right for a cozy winter night, the kind of holiday chaos Ellen always seems to take in stride. As she says about Clark’s massive tree, “It’s not going in our yard, Russ. It’s going in our living room.” That mix of humour and coziness is hard to beat.

And if you love that glowing, nostalgic look but could do without the pine needles, the Festive Neon Light Christmas Tree brings the same energy into your living room. This modern LED Christmas tree is a colourful alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, perfect for Canadian homes and small spaces. Designed as an ideal small Christmas tree for apartments and condos, this plug-in neon holiday decoration delivers instant retro-futuristic cheer. No ornaments, no fuss… just pure festive light.