A Secret Date at 13: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at University Mall

One of my all-time favorite holiday movies is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Every holiday season, I make sure to watch this 1989 classic. It perfectly blends the chaos of the holidays with family fun, and it never fails to make me laugh.

I have a really special memory associated with this movie. It was one of the first movies I went to on an actual date. I was 13, and he was 12. The funny part is, it was a daytime date with the son of one of my mom's co-workers. Our moms had no idea it was a date—they just thought it was two kids going to see a movie. My mom drove us to University Mall in Pensacola, dropped us off, and went shopping.

We watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and I remember laughing so much at all the crazy things happening to the Griswold family. After the movie, his mom picked us up in her little Yugo. We were sitting in the back seat, still giggling about the movie. I often wonder if his mom saw us sneak a kiss back there. It's one of those sweet, innocent memories that makes me smile every time I think about it.

A blue Yugo just like the one his mom drove

Whenever I watch the movie now, it takes me back to that fun and innocent time. The movie itself is just as hilarious as ever. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, trying to create the perfect Christmas, only to have everything go hilariously wrong—it's so relatable. We’ve all had those moments during the holidays when things don't go as planned, and that's what makes it so funny and endearing.

And while Christmas Vacation is my holiday go-to, I also love Vegas Vacation. It was filmed not long after I worked in Las Vegas, so it always reminds me of my time there and brings back great memories.

Thinking about all this just makes me appreciate the movie even more. It’s not just about the laughs, but the memories tied to it. So, if you haven’t seen it in a while, or if you’ve never seen it, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is definitely worth a watch. It’s sure to bring some holiday cheer and maybe even remind you of your own special memories.