Top 5 National Lampoon Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than by decorating your Christmas tree with a dash of National Lampoon's humor? The Griswold family's antics in the classic Christmas movie have become a staple of holiday entertainment, and their over-the-top decorating style is a big part of the fun. Here are the top 5 National Lampoon Christmas tree decorating ideas to bring a little bit of Clark Griswold's zany enthusiasm to your holiday display.

1. The More Lights, the Merrier

One of the most iconic aspects of the Griswold's Christmas display is the sheer number of lights they use. Clark's obsession with exterior illumination is a running joke throughout the movie, and it's a great way to add some humor to your own holiday decorating. Go all out and cover your tree in a dizzying array of lights, just like Clark does on his house.

• Use a mix of colored and white lights to create a fun and playful effect.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your lighting placement – wrap lights around the tree trunk, hang them from the branches, or even create a canopy of lights above the tree.
• If you really want to go all out, consider using projection lights to create fun patterns and designs on your walls or windows.

Lighting Tips

• Make sure to check your lights before decorating to ensure they're working properly.
• Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and produce minimal heat.
• Consider using a smart plug to control your lights and create a festive light show.

2. A Tree that's a Little Bit... Extra

Clark Griswold's Christmas tree is a bit of a monster, with branches that seem to stretch on forever and a top that disappears into the ceiling. While you may not be able to replicate that exact look, you can still create a tree that's a little bit extra.

• Choose a tree with a fun, irregular shape to add some visual interest to your decorating.
• Use a tree topper that's a bit oversized or unconventional, like a giant bow or a funny figurine.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your tree's placement – try putting it in a corner or against a wall to create a fun and cozy nook.

Tree Tips

• Choose a tree that's proportional to your space – you don't want it to overwhelm the room.
• Use a sturdy tree stand to prevent your tree from toppling over.
• Consider using a tree preservative to keep your tree fresh and healthy throughout the holiday season.

3. Ornaments that Tell a Story

The Griswolds' Christmas tree is adorned with all sorts of fun and quirky ornaments, each one telling a story or representing a special memory. You can create a similar effect by using ornaments that are meaningful to you and your family.

• Use ornaments that represent special interests or hobbies, like a football or a musical instrument.
• Create a "storytelling" section of your tree, where you group ornaments together to tell a story or commemorate a special event.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your ornament placement – hang them from the branches, nestle them among the lights, or even create a "raft" of ornaments that float above the tree.

Ornament Tips

• Use a mix of glass, metal, and ceramic ornaments to add depth and texture to your tree.
• Consider making your own ornaments, like salt dough or felt creations.
• Don't be afraid to use ornaments that are a little bit imperfect or quirky – they can add a lot of personality to your tree.

4. A Tree that's a Little Bit... Rustic

The Griswolds' Christmas tree has a delightfully rustic, homemade quality to it, with branches that are a little bit scraggly and ornaments that are a little bit homemade. You can create a similar effect by using natural elements and handmade decorations.

• Use natural elements like pinecones, branches, and holly to add a rustic touch to your tree.
• Create your own decorations, like paper snowflakes or felt ornaments.
• Don't be afraid to get a little bit messy – use glue, glitter, and other craft supplies to create a fun and playful effect.

Rustic Tips

• Use a tree that's a little bit imperfect – like a Charlie Brown tree – to add to the rustic effect.
• Consider using burlap or twine to add a natural, homespun touch to your tree.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations – use natural elements like acorns or leaves to create fun and unique ornaments.

5. A Tree that's a Little Bit... Over-the-Top

The Griswolds' Christmas tree is a bit of an eyesore, with its gaudy decorations and oversized lights. But that's all part of its charm – and you can create a similar effect by going a little bit over-the-top with your decorating.

• Use oversized decorations, like giant bows or enormous ornaments.
• Don't be afraid to get a little bit gaudy – use bright colors, glitter, and other fun materials to create a playful effect.
• Consider creating a "theme" for your tree, like a winter wonderland or a festive forest.

Over-the-Top Tips

• Use a mix of large and small decorations to create a fun and playful effect.
• Consider using a tree skirt or tree collar to add an extra layer of decoration to your tree.
• Don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations – use fun and unusual materials like pom-poms or pipe cleaners to create a one-of-a-kind effect.

Now that you've got these National Lampoon Christmas tree decorating ideas, it's time to get creative and make your holiday display truly unforgettable. Remember to have fun, be playful, and don't be afraid to go a little bit over-the-top – after all, that's what the holiday season is all about!

We'd love to hear from you – what's your favorite National Lampoon Christmas tree decorating idea? Do you have a special ornament or decoration that tells a story or represents a special memory? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!