People have two speeds when you talk about the end of the year holidays...

Clark Griswold:

and then there's his family...

If this movie wasn't a staple in your home, I have news: It's therapeutic (especially if you have a mildly dysfunctional family).

As a fun wind-down to the year, I'm dropping a goofy newsletter:

6 Marketing Lessons Told By National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

No. 1: Branding Is Everything

Throughout the movie, Clark (Chevy Chase) refers to the entire season as a "fun, ole-fashioned, Griswold Family Christmas".

We get no references to what they did last year or what they're going to change for next year. This is the only one that matters.

Branding is how your customer experiences your brand in the moment they meet your brand. You don't get points for what you did last time. And there's already two strikes against you if you ask to make it up to them next time.

Treat your brand and business as if it is the only one that matters.

No. 2: Don't Forget Segmentation

When Clark talks to the suits at work, he addresses them specifically. A custom message for each person. How thoughtful!

No. 3: Leverage Group Problem Solving

The Griswold's very WASPy neighbors have a mystery: What flew through the window, broke the stereo, and got the carpet all wet?

Answer: Clark Griswold accidentally shot a MASSIVE icicle through their window and didn't so much as leave a note. (If I was Julia Louis-Dreyfus, I'd also be pissed.)

Margo and Todd discover two separate problems caused by their HOA nightmare neighbor and realize their issues are linked. Sometimes sharing your problems and asking for help is the only way to get to the bottom of things.

No. 4: Don't Assume. Communicate.

Clark gets stuck in the attic because his mother-in-law closes the ladder behind him. Why would she do that? She was cold.

Her behavior reflects her need to stay warm. This behavior would've changed had she considered "The attic ladder is down, maybe that means someone is up there..."

We may think this is foolish, but it's how we behave, too.

All too often, we act without slowing down to consider the why behind something.

So if you want your audience to take a certain action (or NOT take a specific action), don't assume they'll know what is needed. Spell it out.

Or else you might get caught in the attic.

No. 5: Know Your Why & Share in Your Successes

When Clark finally gets the house exterior lights working (thanks to his wife), he goes to each family member and shares his WHY.

• "You deserve a house like this to spend Christmas in."
• "You taught me everything I know about exterior illumination."
• "I hope the lights enhance your holiday spirit."

Clark, as eccentric as he is, knows his motivations: He wants his family to have a memorable, beautiful Christmas that they all will cherish.

(His downfall is that he wants it perfectly in his mind, and doesn't delegate well... This takes us to No. 6...)

No. 6: Activate Everyone For A More Engaged Community

Clark is the owner of the brand and the concept, but as more family members arrive to the home, everyone wants to be a part of making the holiday incredible.

• Russ (Clark's son) helps set up the exterior lights and lawn decorations.
• Aunt Audrey says grace at Christmas Eve dinner (the pledge of allegiance).
• Cousin Catherine cooks the (extremely dry) turkey.
• Art (Clark's father-in-law) lightens the mood with the original tree goes up in flames, "It was an ugly tree anyway."
• Clark Sr. (Clark's dad) joins Clark to trap the squirrel in the living room.
• Cousin Eddie does the dirty work of abducting Clark's boss as a gift to the family.

By the end, the message is clear:

Nobody's walking out on this 'fun, ole-fashioned, Griswold Family Christmas. We're all in this together!

I wish you the happiest holidays!