"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a classic Christmas movie that tells the story of the Griswold family and their struggles and adventures during the Christmas season as they prepare for the rest of their family to visit. The movie is as comical as it is relatable, because this time of the year certainly requires a lot of problem-solving skills, changing of plans, and a good sense of humor. Why not take a little advice from a family that knows this all too well?
1. Don't forget the saw.
For the Griswolds, it's a family adventure to go out and find their Christmas tree. But it turns out to be quite the journey, as it does for most of us. It has to be a full tree, tall but not too tall, with that light from the heavens shining down upon it. Just make sure that once you find the perfect tree, you have a way to cut it down.
2. Double-check the lights and switches.
You know what they say, when one goes out, the rest of them go out. But check to make sure the switch is on before you go checking 25,000 lights. Otherwise you'll freeze your baguettes off.
3. Use caution while experimenting with new sledding techniques.
We all know the good ole cooking spray and margarine technique to make the sled or saucer fly over the snow. But if you wish to try a new product, especially one that hasn't been used on a sled before, be extra careful. And if you've got a piece of government plastic in your head, avoid using it altogether. If you fall and it gets dented, your hair just won't look right.
4. Keep it together while you're shopping.
Shopping is so tempting this time of year. Great sales, energetic and helpful salespeople, it's hard to focus while you're blousing-I mean browsing- for your loved ones. And since the stores are always so much hooter-I mean hotter-than they usually are, you tend to work up a sweat! Just remember how happy your family will be to unwrap their presents from you because after all, 'tis the season to be merry!
5. Keep an eye on your dinner while its cooking.
It's so easy to get caught up in a conversation while your dinner-let's just say a turkey-is in the oven. Set a timer to help you stay on track and to avoid any burnt or dry food from going on the table. Oh and if you do happen to be cooking a turkey this year, remember to take the heart out.
6. If you have any pets in the house, make sure the decorations are out of their reach.
This especially seems to be a common step of caution when people own cats and they have lights on their tree. One good chew on the wire and that cat will have spent all nine lives. Same thing goes for dogs, too, because as much as we love them, they can be so destructive.
7. Have Tylenol close by.
The stress from the holidays can bring on a lot of headaches, especially when things don't always go as planned.
8. Don't be a Grinch; it'll catch up to you this season.
The Griswolds have some not-so-nice neighbors who quickly learn that being a Grinch during the holidays will only end with you being attacked by a squirrel and a rottweiler, a pine tree crashing through your window, and a wet carpet.
9. The best gifts are the ones that keep on giving the entire year.
Membership to the Jelly of the Month Club, anyone?
10. Family time is precious, so really enjoy it this time of the year.
You don't get to pick your family, and sometimes the stress from the holidays can make you a little short with them. If things get a little out of hand, it'll just make this Christmas even more memorable. Nobody walks out on a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. You're all in this together.
I hope your holiday is filled with many smiles, laughs, and while you're sitting around with your family, getting ready to bless your food, I hope you also take the time to bless this wonderful country we live. And if you need anymore advice on how to survive Christmas this year, or if you just need a good chuckle before your family arrives, make sure you watch Clark Griswold take on his family in the Christmas classic, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"!
