“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a classic holiday movie, and it’s considered one for a reason. Now some people don’t like this movie, and I can genuinely not see why. It’s the perfect-fun-for-all-ages Christmas movie.

This is the type of movie with plenty of rewatch potential as you grow up. A plethora of jokes become more obvious as kids grow up watching this film. This also allows for the adults in the family to enjoy the movie as well, more than let’s say, “Frosty the Snowman.”

While the plot can be ridiculous and over the top at times, the core of the story is pretty relatable for most families. One parent works way too hard to try to get everything to work, grandparents who are only half aware of what’s going on, and of course, that one weird relative that only shows up for the holidays.

Some people argue that the absurdities of the movie detract from it, but that’s far from the case. It enhances the chaos and comedy of plot and characters with crazy scenes like the squirrel in the tree, or the cat blowing up the tree, or the main character’s weird cousin kidnaping his boss to strong arm him into giving the Griswold’s their Christmas bonus so they can get that swimming pool. These occurrences are definitely exaggerated for comedy, but their root in reality is what makes them work and why people like them.

Another factor that makes the movie enjoyable are the Griswold’s cynical neighbors. They help ground the movie by allowing an outsider perspective on the chaos of the family next door. They are funny and absurd in their own ways, but for the most part they are realistic annoyed neighbors.

“Christmas Vacation” is a movie about the chaos of the holiday season. Idealy everything goes well for Christmas, but the movie outlines how even with the best intentions for the season, anything and everything will go wrong, and that’s ok.