National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

John Hughes’ 1989 film ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ depicts the catalytic, disastrous events that derail the plans of the Griswold family Christmas. It highlights the very real and relatable truth that many of us face over the holiday period, which is always more dishevelled and unorganised than we initially intended.

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The slapstick comedy follows family patriarch Clark Griswold, played by Chevvy Chase, who is on a mission to ensure that his family have a Christmas like no other. However, the film shows that not a lot, if anything, goes to plan.

The first scene shows a game of ‘cat and mouse’ on the motorway between Griswold’s car and a truck. This leads to the family’s car nearly being flattened by an 18-wheeler – not a great start to the holidays!

The Christmas lights

A recurring theme throughout this festive classic is an issue with the Christmas lights. Clark is hell-bent on creating a Christmas spectacle that is over the top and perfect for his family – and one of the key factors of that for him is the decorations.

On the 15th of December, Clark reveals to his young son Rusty that he intends to illuminate the house with 25,000 imported Italian twinkle lights. Well, it’s an absurd amount for a regular suburban home, so like everything else in the film, his plan goes horribly wrong.

Clark’s first attempt ends in near disaster, with him breaking several windows and stapling his sleeve to the roof, which is a re-enactment of a story many families will know all too well. In fact, indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations are one of the leading causes of family arguments in this country over the festive period!

A few days later, Clark finally finishes setting up his outdoor lights. However, much to his despair, he realises something is preventing them from turning on, leaving him very frustrated.

Another Christmas fact: the lights not working is one of the top 3 most common Christmas disasters in the UK.

The unwanted guests

Many people travel at Christmas, which is highlighted once again in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark decides to host the picture-perfect family get-together by inviting both sets of parents to spend it with them. However, the Griswolds get more than they bargained for when a surprise visit from cousin Eddie, his family and their dog leaves Clark stunned.

After parking their ‘new’ RV in the driveway, their unannounced arrival causes complications for Clark throughout the film and shows just how chaotic things can get. Starting with Eddie emptying his chemical toilet in the middle of the street… not ideal at the best of times, and especially not the best when you have immediate neighbours!

At a time when your loved ones should be the focus, the stress of hosting Christmas celebrations can easily overshadow things. If you’re expecting guests, our range of sleeping mats, airbeds and foldable beds can provide somewhere comfortable for everyone to sleep – even those unannounced last minute arrivals!