If it’s Christmas, it must mean the Griswolds are going on their whirlwind vacation! One New Jersey resident, Steve Harbaugh, loves decorating his home in the style of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and on Sunday, he was joined by none other than star Chevy Chase to light up his illuminated outdoor village!
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the third installment in the National Lampoon‘s Vacation series, with the films kicking off in 1983. The world scrambled behind the Girswolds for Christmas in ’89 to admire the charred Christmas tree, unwanted jelly subscription, and a functional flying sleigh. Harbaugh’s display was far less chaotic, though no less fun, and Chase’s involvement helped support a worthy cause. Here’s how.
New Jersey resident Steve Harbaugh decorates his property, Harbaugh Village, like ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’
Years ago, Harbaugh endured a time of turmoil when his father George died. Starting in 2018, to try and fill his days with happiness again, Harbaugh took to decorating his home in quaint, rural Mullica Hill after National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. “True Griswold style, I plastered my house with 10,500 lights,” said Harbaugh, light strand in hand.
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Around that same time, he started a nonprofit called George’s House. “We help children and families in need through toy donations and transitional housing to get them back on their feet,” the organization shares on its webpage.
The popularity of his light setup has fueled George’s House – and this year, he got help from Papa Griswold himself, minus the usual property damage and plus a whole lot of festive cheer for those who need it most.
Chevy Chase helps Harbaugh Village support families in need
On Sunday, it was Chase who lit up Harbaugh’s display of the year, much to the delight of the throngs of people who, for years, have known to flock to the Harbaugh house for a sparkling spectacle.
“We all came to see Clark Griswold with our family, and we can’t wait to light it up,” said spectator Ashley Lago, who traveled to see the lighting done by Chase.
It’s fueled the spirit of community in the area, notes Harbaugh, who said, “All these folks here tonight in particular have been behind us since day one.”
Because the house’s display became such a big spectacle, it outgrew his original vision and is now Harbaugh Village. Just last year, the village helped raise $350,000 for George’s House and its mission of helping displaced families to get back on their feet.
In that way, Harbaugh has taken far more from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation than decorating tips; he’s also inspired by its message, saying, “Just like the Griswold movie, he says it and I say it: What is the true meaning of Christmas? I know exactly what it is; it’s giving back and helping others.”