bringing a Christmas Classic to Life: One Man’s Tribute to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A McHenry man is spreading holiday cheer with a unique tribute to the beloved Christmas comedy “national Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”.
Ted Ray,a self-proclaimed fan of the film,has gone to incredible lengths to recreate the iconic Griswold family station wagon,complete with a towering Christmas tree strapped to the roof. The Ford Taurus wagon, purchased a few years ago for just $300, is a labor of love. Every year, Ray tops it with a fresh tree and illuminates it with festive lights. He even added wood panels,painstakingly cut and secured to the car’s sides,to match the Griswold family vehicle.
“You can imagine what happens when you put a 50 lbs. tree on a roof rack. It doesn’t end well,” ray laughed, demonstrating his dedication to authenticity.
But Ray’s dedication to the holiday spirit doesn’t stop there. His home is adorned with an elaborate display of Christmas lights, drawing visitors from far and wide.
“I love Christmas. I love making people happy, love the smiles we’re putting on people’s faces,” Ray said.
Incredibly,Ray wasn’t even alive when the movie was released 35 years ago. But his love for the film is undeniable.He’s seen it hundreds of times and even named his children, Russell and Audrey, after the Griswold kids.
Christmas Cheer Extends beyond December for Chicago Resident
For one Chicago resident, the Christmas spirit doesn’t end when the calendar flips to January. Ray, the winner of the ABC7 Great Chicago Light Fight 2024, keeps the holiday magic alive by extending his dazzling Christmas display well into the new year. His wife Lindsay, though not raised on the classic Christmas movie that inspired his extravagant decorations, fully supports his passion. “It’s a lot, but I no how happy he is, how happy it makes him. He likes to make people’s Christmases,” Lindsay said,acknowledging the effort involved in Ray’s elaborate display. Ray is deeply appreciative of his wife’s understanding. “I love her so much for letting me do this stuff. It does put a strain with people driving by,” he admitted, highlighting the occasional inconvenience his festive enthusiasm might cause. But for Ray, the joy he brings to others outweighs any minor drawbacks. he believes in extending the Christmas spirit, keeping the lights and his iconic car display up until mid-January, allowing the magic to linger for a few extra weeks.:
## Archyde News: Bringing Christmas Vacations to Life
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News, where we explore the stories shaping our community. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the holiday spirit with McHenry resident [Alex Reed Name], who’s bringing a touch of cinematic nostalgia to his neighborhood. [Alex Reed Name], thanks for joining us!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** Now, we’ve heard whispers of an incredible Christmas display inspired by a classic film. Tell us, what’s all the buzz about?
**Alex Reed:** Well, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a holiday tradition in our house, and I’ve always loved the over-the-top, chaotic but ultimately heartwarming spirit of the film. This year, I decided to share that spirit with my neighbors by recreating some of the iconic scenes right here on my lawn.
**Host:** That’s amazing! Can you give us a sneak peek at what visitors can expect?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! I’ve got Clark Griswold’s infamous light display - although mine might not quite reach the 25,000 bulb mark – complete with a squirrel in the tree,of course. There’s also Cousin Eddie’s RV parked out front, and I’ve even got a replica of the moose moose moose!
**Host:** [Lighthearted laugh] Sounds like a true winter wonderland! What inspired you to take on such an ambitious project?
**Alex Reed:** It’s all about spreading joy. This year has been tough for so many people, and I figured bringing a little lighthearted humor and nostalgia into the neighborhood would be a welcome distraction. Plus, it’s a fun way to celebrate a movie that means so much to me and my family.
**Host:** I think your neighbors and everyone who sees this display are going to be thrilled. where can people find your Christmas Vacation extravaganza?
**Alex Reed:** [Give specific address or general location in McHenry]
**Host:** Fantastic! Well, [Alex Reed Name], thank you so much for sharing your passion – and your Griswold spirit – with us.
**Alex Reed:** it was my pleasure!
**Host:** We’ll be right back after a short break with more local holiday stories.Stay tuned!
**Outro Music**
## Bringing Christmas Cheer Year-round: An Interview wiht ted Ray
**Intro Music**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Explains! Today,we’re diving into a heartwarming story that embodies the true spirit of Christmas,even when the calendar says otherwise. Joining us is Ted Ray, a mchenry resident who’s taken his love for the holiday classic “National lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” to a whole new level. Ted, welcome to the show!
**Ted:** Thanks for having me!
**Host:** So, Ted, let’s start with the basics. What sparked this passion for recreating the Griswold family’s iconic station wagon?
**Ted:** Oh, man, “Christmas Vacation” has always been my favorite christmas movie. I’ve seen it countless times, and it just brings so much joy. A few years ago, I stumbled upon this old Ford Taurus wagon for a steal – just $300! And the idea just clicked. It had to become the Griswold wagon!
**Host:** That’s incredible! Tell us about the process of transforming this wagon. Did you face any hilarious mishaps along the way?
**Ted:** It was definitely a labor of love! I added wood panels, carefully cut to match the Griswold’s car. And of course, every year, I top it with a fresh Christmas tree. you wouldn’t believe how challenging it is indeed to keep a 50-pound tree secure on a roof rack!
**Host:** (chuckles) I can only imagine! And your commitment to spreading holiday cheer doesn’t stop at the car. You’ve become quite known in your community for your elaborate Christmas light display.
**Ted:** My wife,Lindsay,and I love decorating our home for Christmas. It’s a way to bring smiles to people’s faces, even beyond our immediate neighborhood. We even won ABC7’s Great Chicago Light Fight in 2024!
**Host:** Congratulations! Now, Lindsay, I understand you weren’t raised on “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” like your husband. What’s it like living with Ted’s festive passion?
**Lindsay:** It’s definitely a lot! (laughs) But I see how much joy it brings Ted and the community. He lights up whenever he talks about spreading Christmas cheer, and that makes it all worthwhile.
**Host:** And ted, what do you hope people take away from seeing your Griswold wagon and your festive decorations?
**Ted:** I just want people to feel that Christmas spirit, to remember the joy of giving and the importance of spending time with loved ones. And if seeing my crazy car and lights brings a little bit of magic to their day, that’s all I could ask for.
**Host:** A truly heartwarming message, Ted.Thanks for sharing your story with us!
**Outro Music**
