Do you honestly think I'd check thousands of tiny little lights if I wasn't sure the extension cord was plugged in?

In my family if you took a vote for favorite Christmas movie, the tally would be unanimous.  Without a doubt it would be National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  At least once during the season we all gather around the TV, pop the DVD in the player, and watch the familiar scenes of a man and his family trying to have a traditional family Christmas.

The fascination here is identifying with the scenes and the characters. Who has not had Christmas lights go out or fail to light?  Annoying family over for the holidays? Disappointing gifts? Disastrous turkey dinners? The quest for the perfect tree?

Some have said the movie was Chevy Chase's greatest comedic role, playing Clark Griswold, a man struggling for a merry Christmas. Here is a cut from YouTube of the tree lighting. The first attempt was a disaster as family looked on at the failure of 25,000 lights to burn.  Only his wife, Ellen, remains behind to offer advice and understanding.

Hope your holiday is as bright!

Ron D. Voigts is the author of dark mysteries and the Penelope Mystery Series.  His novel Strigoi, The Blood Bond is available on Kindle, and for the holidays check out Penelope and The Christmas Spirit.