Christmas Vacation (1989) is a classic holiday comedy directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes. The film is the third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series and stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, alongside Beverly D’Angelo as his wife Ellen and an ensemble cast.
Plot Summary:
The movie follows Clark Griswold, an enthusiastic yet hapless family man, as he attempts to create the perfect Christmas experience for his family. Set in suburban Chicago, the story begins with Clark dragging his reluctant family to find the perfect Christmas tree. This sets the tone for a series of comedic misadventures.
The Chaos of Hosting:
Clark is determined to host a “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” To this end, he decorates the house with an excessive number of Christmas lights, resulting in power outages and humorous malfunctions. Meanwhile, his extended family—including eccentric relatives—arrives, creating a crowded and chaotic household.
Clark’s Holiday Bonus Woes:
One of Clark’s key goals is to use his anticipated Christmas bonus to build a swimming pool for the family. However, as the holiday season progresses, the bonus check doesn’t arrive, leading to mounting stress and desperation. In a twist, Clark eventually learns his employer has replaced bonuses with a subscription to a “Jelly of the Month Club.”
Cousin Eddie’s Antics:
A significant source of hilarity comes from the arrival of Clark’s cousin-in-law, Eddie (Randy Quaid), and his family, who show up uninvited in their dilapidated RV. Eddie’s crude but well-meaning behavior causes further complications, including his decision to kidnap Clark’s boss as a misguided attempt to secure the bonus.
A Heartwarming Conclusion:
Despite the series of calamities—ranging from a squirrel in the Christmas tree to a turkey dinner gone horribly wrong—the movie culminates in a heartfelt message about the importance of family and togetherness during the holiday season. The chaos resolves in a climactic scene involving a SWAT team, exploding sewage, and a surprisingly cheerful Christmas spirit.
Christmas Vacation is beloved for its over-the-top humor, relatable holiday frustrations, and Chevy Chase’s comedic performance as the ever-optimistic but bumbling Clark Griswold. It has since become a staple of holiday viewing.
