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Released in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a beloved holiday classic, revered for its slapstick humor, eccentric characters, and relatable family dynamics. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes, this film is the third installment in the National Lampoon franchise, following National Lampoon’s Animal House and National Lampoon’s Vacation. However, Christmas Vacation stands out for its heartwarming blend of comedy and holiday spirit, making it a staple of Christmas movie marathons.
The Story
Christmas Vacation follows Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), the well-meaning but often disastrous father, as he attempts to create the perfect Christmas for his family. Clark’s goal is simple: a beautiful, fun-filled holiday with his wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), their children Audrey (Juliette Lewis) and Rusty (Johnny Galecki), and the rest of the extended Griswold family. However, things quickly spiral out of control, as Clark’s grandiose plans collide with a series of comically disastrous events. From the relentless efforts to put up a spectacular Christmas light display to the arrival of his unwelcome in-laws, everything that can go wrong does.
Clark’s unshakeable optimism, despite the chaos that surrounds him, is the heart of the film. His attempts to give his family the perfect Christmas lead to uproarious, over-the-top moments—whether it’s when he accidentally gets stuck in the attic, the unforgettable scene where he battles with his lights, or his famous rant about his Christmas bonus. Yet, at its core, the film is about the importance of family, even in the most ridiculous of situations.
Iconic Moments
Christmas Vacation is filled with iconic scenes that have cemented its place in holiday movie history:
- The Christmas Lights: Clark’s attempt to decorate the house with the “biggest” Christmas lights in the neighborhood results in an explosion of lights, and his comedic line, “Where do you think you’re going? Nobody’s leaving. Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We’re all in this together!”
- The Squirrel in the Tree: The Griswolds’ Christmas tree is, as expected, an unmitigated disaster—complete with a live squirrel that jumps out of it and causes a hilarious panic.
- The “Jelly of the Month Club” Bonus: One of the most memorable scenes is when Clark’s boss surprises him with a subscription to the “Jelly of the Month Club” instead of the hefty Christmas bonus he was expecting. Clark’s iconic outburst in response (“Surprised, Eddie? If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am right now!”) has become legendary.
The Characters
The success of Christmas Vacation is largely due to its eccentric, memorable characters:
- Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase): The film’s protagonist, Clark, embodies the archetypal father who wants everything to be perfect for his family, but whose well-laid plans always seem to go hilariously awry. Chase’s portrayal of Clark’s growing frustration and optimism is the film’s comedic backbone.
- Ellen Griswold (Beverly D’Angelo): Clark’s patient wife, who tolerates his antics with a mix of humor and exasperation. While she may be the more grounded character, Ellen’s reactions to Clark’s misadventures add to the film’s charm.
- Uncle Lewis (William Hickey) and Aunt Bethany (Mae Questel): The elderly, quirky relatives who arrive for the holiday celebrations bring with them more than their fair share of chaos and comic relief.
- Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid): Arguably the most memorable supporting character, Cousin Eddie is the bumbling, offbeat, and often inappropriate relative who shows up unannounced with his family. Eddie’s antics provide a constant source of comedy, including his unforgettable line, “Shitter’s full!”
Themes of Family and Tradition
At its heart, Christmas Vacation is about the value of family, even when they drive you crazy. Despite all the misadventures, Clark’s determination to make Christmas perfect stems from his love for his family. The film highlights the chaos and unpredictability of the holidays, but it also reminds us that family, tradition, and love are what make the season truly special.
The Griswolds may not have the perfect Christmas, but by the end of the film, they’ve come together to enjoy each other’s company, accepting that things don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful. In a season that often feels overwhelmed by expectations, Christmas Vacation provides a comedic yet heartwarming reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.
Legacy
Over the years, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has gained a cult following and become a go-to holiday tradition for many families. Its blend of slapstick humor, memorable one-liners, and relatable themes about family dynamics has made it a perennial favorite. The film’s quotes, characters, and scenes are frequently referenced in pop culture, further cementing its place in holiday film history.
Each year, new generations of viewers discover the film, ensuring its legacy endures. Whether you watch it for the laughs or the heartwarming moments, Christmas Vacation remains a perfect reminder of the absurdity and joy that the holiday season brings.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is much more than just a comedy—it’s a film that captures the essence of the holiday season with all its chaos, laughter, and love. It’s a celebration of family traditions, both the good and the frustrating, and the way they shape our memories of Christmas. With its blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable moments, it continues to be a beloved holiday classic for audiences of all ages.
Get ready to deck the halls and jingle all the way as we celebrate a holiday classic in style! Join us for a memorable evening of festive cheer and laughter as we honor the 35th anniversary of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with a special screening and a live conversation with the film’s star, Chevy Chase, and his wife, Jayni. This event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time.
A Classic Holiday Film Revisited
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has become a cornerstone of holiday entertainment since its release in 1989. Featuring Chevy Chase as the hilariously hapless Clark Griswold, the film has charmed audiences with its humorous take on family Christmas traditions. The film’s memorable scenes and quotable lines have made it a staple of holiday viewing, and this special 35th-anniversary screening will allow fans to experience the magic on the big screen once again.
An Exclusive Evening with Chevy Chase and Jayni Chase
Following the film, enjoy a unique live conversation with Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni. The Chases will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of “Christmas Vacation,” offering an intimate glimpse into the creation of this iconic film. This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from Chevy about his experiences working on this classic holiday comedy.
But that’s not all—audience members will have the chance to participate in a Q&A session. Whether you’re curious about the making of “Christmas Vacation,” Chevy’s legendary work on “Saturday Night Live,” his iconic role in “Caddyshack,” or his extensive career in film and television, this is your chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered.
VIP Experience
For those looking to elevate their evening, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available. These exclusive tickets include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chevy Chase. Imagine having a photo taken with a true legend of comedy and film—this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Chevy Chase and capture a special moment with him.
A Festive Night to Remember
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” or simply love the holiday spirit, this event promises an evening filled with laughter, nostalgia, and festive fun. So mark your calendars, don your ugliest Christmas sweater, and prepare for a night of holiday cheer with Chevy Chase and his iconic film.
Co-presented with NJPAC Productions, this event is set to be a highlight of the holiday season. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to celebrate a classic film and enjoy a night of memorable stories and laughter with one of comedy’s greatest stars.
Secure your tickets now and get ready to make some holiday memories with Chevy Chase and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”!