What does Aunt Bethany carry in Christmas Vacation?

She famously brings a wrapped Jell-O mold (with cat food) and a wrapped box containing her real cat. Carrying a wrapped gift box with a fake cat tail sticking out is the perfect prop.

What kind of coat does Aunt Bethany wear?

She wears a textured, vintage-style coat, often depicted as a subtle leopard or animal print, which adds to her eccentric grandmother aesthetic.

Is this costume suitable for Christmas parties?

Yes, it is a massive hit at ugly sweater parties, Christmas movie trivia nights, and holiday gatherings.

AI-generated example

Aunt Bethany Costume

Play the delightfully confused, patriotic aunt from a holiday classic.

Aunt Bethany from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a beloved holiday character known for her eccentric style and hilarious, senile moments. Dressing up as her is a fantastic choice for Christmas-themed parties or nostalgic Halloween events. Her signature look features a cozy, mismatched holiday ensemble complete with a vintage coat, plaid skirt, and quirky accessories.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $40–90

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Aunt Bethany costume — Example look · AI-generated

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Result

What you need for a Aunt Bethany costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Aunt Bethany costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Aunt Bethany at Spirit ↗

Plaid Skirt
A pleated, knee-length or midi skirt in a classic green and red holiday plaid pattern.
DIY: Use any vintage-style plaid skirt or wrap a plaid blanket scarf around your waist.
Amazon
Knitted Sweater
A cozy, solid-colored knit sweater in cream, beige, or red to layer under the coat.
DIY: Pull a vintage or slightly oversized knit sweater from your closet.
Amazon
Animal Print Coat
A vintage-style, long-sleeved coat, ideally featuring a subtle leopard or textured animal print.
DIY: A textured brown or tan winter trench coat works as a substitute.
Amazon
Headscarf or Hat
A silky, patterned headscarf tied under the chin, or a vintage pillbox-style hat.
DIY: Tie a colorful square scarf over your hair and knot it under your chin.
Amazon
Statement Necklace
A chunky, retro pearl or beaded necklace to emphasize her eccentric, grandmotherly style.
DIY: Layer several strands of costume pearls or vintage beads.
Amazon
Wrapped Gift Box
A small, wrapped Christmas present with a red bow—bonus points if you attach a fake cat tail sticking out.
DIY: Wrap an empty shoebox in holiday paper, add a bow, and poke a small hole for a faux fur tail.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Aunt Bethany costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the cream knitted sweater and tuck it slightly into the red and green plaid midi skirt.
2
Layer the animal print or textured vintage coat over the sweater, leaving it unbuttoned to show the outfit underneath.
3
Tie the patterned headscarf over your head, securing it with a knot under your chin, or place the vintage hat securely on your head.
4
Drape the chunky statement necklace over your sweater.
5
Carry the wrapped Christmas gift box under your arm as your main prop.
6
Adopt a sweet, slightly confused expression to truly embody Aunt Bethany.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup simple with a soft pink lipstick and a touch of blush. If your hair is visible under the scarf, style it in soft, vintage curls or wear a short, curly gray wig.

Aunt Bethany for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with Uncle Lewis wearing a brown suit, toupee, and carrying a cigar.
group: Join Clark, Ellen, Cousin Eddie, and the rest of the Griswold family for a full group theme.
kids: A miniature version featuring a tiny plaid skirt, oversized cardigan, and a funny wrapped box.
Plus size: A-line plaid skirts and open-front cardigans offer a comfortable, highly adjustable fit.
pet: Dress a small dog as the wrapped cat or put them in a tiny green elf costume.

Tips

This costume is exceptionally warm, making it perfect for cold-weather outdoor events or winter holiday parties.
For a hilarious photo op, hold the wrapped box close to your ear as if listening for a meow.
Look for the coat and skirt at local thrift stores to find authentic, budget-friendly vintage pieces.

Aunt Bethany costume FAQ

What does Aunt Bethany carry in Christmas Vacation?: She famously brings a wrapped Jell-O mold (with cat food) and a wrapped box containing her real cat. Carrying a wrapped gift box with a fake cat tail sticking out is the perfect prop.
What kind of coat does Aunt Bethany wear?: She wears a textured, vintage-style coat, often depicted as a subtle leopard or animal print, which adds to her eccentric grandmother aesthetic.
Is this costume suitable for Christmas parties?: Yes, it is a massive hit at ugly sweater parties, Christmas movie trivia nights, and holiday gatherings.

Did you know? Aunt Bethany was played by Mae Questel, who was also the iconic voice of Betty Boop and Olive Oyl starting in the 1930s.