Written by: Bernard, the traveling cat

For most it is all about Clark, but for me Snots is the star of the show. Not all cats can hold in their pride and speak so highly of such a specimen, but I wear my Snots t-shirt proudly.  Before we take this deep dive, I want to take a moment to remember Aunt Bethany’s cat, rest her soul.  I have watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation at least 1000 times.  The jokes never get old.  The way Snots makes his entrance gets me every time.  I had a chance to catch up with Snots shortly after the movie release and found my old notebook filled with some great stuff, so here it goes. We also gathered some great National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Merch.  

Snots, for those of you who don’t know is the legendary dog from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation! Now, if you’re anything like me, you know Snots is the real star and the reason most of us 4-legged guys find a great place to snuggle when someone pops the movie on.  Most households watch the movie at least once a holiday season, another moment of silence for the houses that don’t, wow you are missing out. Now Snots doesn’t get top billing on the movie poster but trust me after all these years there are Meme’s galore that honor such a great dog, the canine heart and soul of the extended Griswold family. So grab a chew toy, pop a little popcorn and settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and let’s dive into Snots world of holiday shenanigans, Griswold chaos, and prime under-the-table snack territory!  And then watch the movie from a new perspective.  

Bernard: What’s it really like living with Cousin Eddie?

Snots: Bernard he’s like the biggest, loudest chew toy I’ve ever had! He doesn’t squeak, but he sure tries to share his leftovers. Let’s just say I prefer the high-quality scraps.

Bernard: Favorite Line From The Movie?

Snots: It has to be ‘Why is the carpet wet, Todd?’ Cracks me up every time, it was me ha, someone else gets the blame for once!

Bernard: So tell me, what did you think of that giant Christmas tree in the Griswold living room?

Snots: That tree is something, all right. Reminds me of the days before being a dog star and spending time out in the woods, doing what dogs do.  Old Clark had some issues with his trees, but the great thing about Clark is he never gave up, always coming up with a new tree.

Bernard: Your character seems to have the run of the table scraps, kitchen and I would image the catering table, what was your favorite snack from the Griswold movie?

Snots: I have to say the overdone Turkey was not half bad, we now know that giving dogs turkey bones is a bone head thing to do, but back in the day it was all fun until someone gets hurt, right?  You know a fact about the movie, we did that table scene a good many times, so I had all the turkey I could ever want, don’t tell anyone, but I did my best to bust up the cast a few times so we had to do a reshoot.  

Bernard: Tell us what it was like seeing Clark’s lights in person.

Snots: Well, let me tell you, when you can bug the neighbors without even barking, you have done it right and those lights did a great job of that.  I am glad I didn’t have a scene on the roof, that would have been a hard no for me.

Bernard: Did you get to spend much time with Cousin Eddy in the RV or what is just for show?

Snots: We cut a few scenes in the RV, but they were cut from the movie and I think I know why, wow was it tight in there and you can imagine when the whole family would get together, lucky a few family members were off doing their own thing, if you know what I mean.

Bernard: So was that a real squirl or a bit of Hollywood?

Snots: We had permission for the cat and I to be on the set, but that is as far as it goes, Hollywood did its magic, and they didn’t do half bad.   

Bernard:  I know this is a tough subject, but can we talk about the cat for a minute and who was on set for that horrific scene?

Snots:  Luckily I was off that day, but rumor has it there was a light crew, you know the ones who have the ability to inappropriately laugh at everything, they were asked to be on set and while it is a bit morbid, I have to admit the effects were pretty great. 

Bernard: What was it like being with such a funny group of actors?

Snots: Well luckily, they were all pet lovers, so I had plenty of attention and was in on most of the jokes on and off the set.  You know the jokes never stopped and there were some great ones that didn’t make the movie, I wish I could remember them all, we just never stopped laughing.

Bernard: Thanks for taking the time to chat, Snots! Any last words for your fans out there?

Snot: Just this: Keep your snacks close, your holiday spirit strong, and your hearts even closer. And when Cousin Eddy and family show up, remember we are a little rough around the edges, but we are always good for a few great laughs.  

My notes from days gone by sure bring back great memories.  Snots may have only gotten a few minutes of screen time, but his spirit and love of chaos make him unforgettable. From holiday feasts to family madness, he reminds us all to savor every moment and every scrap. This Christmas, may we all be a little more like Snots: loyal, hungry, and full of holiday cheer.

Happy howls and holiday meows, friends! Until next time, keep those tails high and those treats close!  I wanted to share some of my favorite merch from the movie and remind everyone to plan a family movie night this holiday season in honor of ol’ Snots!