How Much Would The Griswolds' "Fun Old-Fashioned Family Christmas" Cost in 2022?

December 19, 2022

And would Clark's Christmas bonus cover it?

House covered in glowing Christmas lights; snow-covered lawn; person walking toward the house.


Upon its release in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation became an instant classic. One of the most iconic images from the movie is the family home lit up with 25,000 lights. Clark Griswold’s over-the-top light display infuriates the neighbors and briefly blacks out the entirety of Chicago, but what impact does it have on the Griswold’s finances?


Clark boasts that he’s got 250 strands of lights with 100 bulbs each, totaling 25,000 lights. The average price of electricity in the United States today is $0.1632 per kilowatt hour. Some quick research tells us that a 100-bulb strand of C9 lights (the type used in the movie) uses 700 Watts of electricity to operate. If the Griswolds were to run their light display 10 hours a day for 30 days, it would add a whopping $8,570 to their electric bill!  


Unfortunately for Clark, LED Christmas lights didn’t come on to the market until 1998. Using only 4.8 Watts per strand, as opposed to the 700 Watts an incandescent strand uses, they are a far more economical choice for holiday décor. If Clark had been able to use LED’s, the same light display would only cost the family a mere $58.75.


The moral of the story is this- replacing your old incandescent lights with LEDs is worth it. Make your celebration memorable, not your electricity bill.


If you’re interested in finding out how much your own light display will cost, you can use this handy calculator to estimate it.

Aerial view of Baltimore's Inner Harbor with buildings, boats, and a wide body of water reflecting the cityscape.

Energy Incentives Are Available, But Do You Know Where To Look?

By Andrew Sandglass • July 9, 2026
Your guide to Energy Incentives for Maryland is here

Why Everyone Is Talking About Utility Bill Audits (And You Should Too)

By Russell Lacey • June 24, 2026
For most business owners, the monthly utility bill is just another line item to be paid and filed away. You glance at the total, ensure it isn't astronomically higher than last month, and move on. But in 2026, with energy markets facing unprecedented volatility and complex new tariff structures, that "glance and pay" strategy is costing American businesses billions in overpayments. The good news? You don’t have to just accept these costs as the price of doing business. Everyone is talking about utility bill audits because they have transitioned from a "nice-to-have" occasional check to a critical financial strategy. At Electric Advisors, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how a meticulous review of historical invoices can uncover significant refunds and permanent rate reductions. 

The Easiest 8-12% Your Business Will Ever Save: Community Solar in MD & DE

By Russell Lacey • June 15, 2026
In the world of commercial operations, finding a way to slash overhead by double digits without spending a dime upfront is usually a red flag for a "too good to be true" offer. But in 2026, for businesses operating within the BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Delmarva utility territories across Maryland and Delaware, this isn't a sales pitch, it’s a regulatory reality. Community solar has evolved from a niche pilot program into a mainstream financial strategy for savvy business owners. If your business pays its own utility bills but doesn't have the roof space, the capital, or the long-term lease to install traditional solar panels, community solar is your bridge to immediate savings. The good news? You can typically reduce your monthly electricity spend by 8% to 12% simply by enrolling. Here is how your business can capture this "easy win." Key Takeaways Zero Upfront Costs: No installation, no equipment maintenance, and no capital expenditure. Guaranteed Savings: Most subscriptions offer a fixed percentage discount (typically 8–12%) on the solar credits applied to your bill. Tenant-Friendly: Perfect for businesses that rent their office, warehouse, or retail space. Market Reach: Available to businesses in BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Delmarva (MD & DE) territories. Risk Mitigation: Electric Advisors handles the vetting to ensure you choose a project with favorable terms and no hidden cancellation fees.