13 Things Most People Don't Realize About 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not too fond of holiday cinema. For the most part, I find Christmas movies to be over the top and filled with cheesy family moments that would probably never happen in real life. However, there's one film that I make sure I watch at least once every Christmas season, and that would be National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This classic movie sees Chevy Chase doing what he does best — playing the ever-so-funny Clark Griswold and doing everything he can to not completely embarrass himself in front of the whole family.

So let's take advantage of the holiday season and look back at some commonly unknown behind-the-scenes facts about the film. 

1. The movie is actually based on a short story.

John Hughes actually wrote a story for the National Lampoon called "Christmas '59."

2. The film actually pays tribute to the short story in one memorable scene.

Remember when Clark gets locked in the attic and starts watching old home movies? Well, the name on the box of movies reads "Christmas '59". 

3. The filmmakers actually had a trained squirrel brought in for that iconic scene.

Unfortunately the squirrel died before filming took place. 

4. The movie went straight to video in the UK.

It was never even given a chance in the theaters. 

5. Chevy Chase actually helped write the script.

Apparently Chase has helped write all the Vacationmovie scripts. 

6. There were barely any rehearsals.

This was because of Chevy's constant improvisation and ad-libbing throughout the scenes. 

7. Apparently Cousin Eddie is a real guy.

Randy Quaid said he based the character off of a guy he knew growing up. 

Cousin Eddie and Clark's relationship is the best part of this movie!

8. Clark's rant was expertly planned.

Chase had crew members standing all around the set with cue cards so he could read the entire rant in one take without stopping. 

9. The neighborhood was also used in Lethal Weapon.

In fact, that house has also appeared on Bewitchedand American Beauty!

10. It's the first film in the series where Rusty is younger than Audrey.

In all the films before it, Rusty was always the eldest Griswold child. 

This movie is seriously so funny.

11. Chevy Chase wears the same Chicago Bears ball cap throughout all the films in the series.

Bet you never noticed that!

12. None of the film actually occurs on Christmas.

The movie ends on Christmas Eve.

13. Cousin Eddie had his own sequel.

It was called Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure. It came out in 2003 and was a complete dud. 

COMMENTand let us know what your favorite quote from the movie is!