National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

Few festive comedies have secured as loyal and enthusiastic a following as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Released in 1989 and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, with a screenplay by John Hughes, the film has become a perennial holiday favourite. It stands as the third entry in the Vacation series—after Vacation (1983) and European Vacation (1985)—but it is perhaps the most widely beloved, thanks to its mixture of slapstick chaos, family sentiment, and the unmatched comic timing of Chevy Chase.

At the heart of the story is Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), the well-meaning but calamitous head of the Griswold family, who is determined to deliver “a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” Clark imagines the perfect festive season: the ideal tree, the perfect decorations, relatives gathered harmoniously under one roof, and a joyous, peaceful holiday to remember.

The family tree nearly gets them arrested before it even reaches their home. The house decorations lead to electrical mayhem. Visiting relatives arrive en masse and immediately disrupt the peace. An uninvited cousin—Randy Quaid’s unforgettable Cousin Eddie—brings a fresh wave of calamities. Meanwhile, Clark anxiously awaits his annual work bonus, which becomes the lynchpin for one of the film’s most famous comedic breakdowns.

The narrative is episodic and driven by escalation: each scene piles new frustrations onto Clark until the film reaches its explosively farcical finale.

Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold

Chevy Chase delivers one of his definitive performances as Clark. His combination of physical comedy, deadpan delivery, and escalating hysteria gives the film its backbone. Chase excels at portraying a man whose optimism survives—even as his sanity threatens to collapse under the weight of festive expectations.

Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold

D’Angelo brings warmth and grounded humour to the role of Ellen, Clark’s ever-patient wife. She balances Chase’s manic energy with a performance that feels authentic and sympathetic. Her understated exasperation often lands as effectively as the broad gags.

Support Cast

The supporting cast is uniformly strong. Juliette Lewis and Johnny Galecki, as Audrey and Rusty, offer dry humour and bemusement at their parents’ antics. Randy Quaid all but steals the film as Cousin Eddie, delivering an exaggerated but strangely sincere portrayal of a cheerful but disastrous houseguest. His scenes provide some of the film’s boldest comedic moments.

Diane Ladd, Doris Roberts, E.G. Marshall, and John Randolph round out the extended family, all playing their roles with a mixture of warmth and perfectly timed irritation.

The comedy in Christmas Vacation ranges from the broadly slapstick to the sharply observational. Hughes’ script satirises the pressures of the modern suburban Christmas: excessive decoration, financial anxiety, competitive festivity, and the idealised image of a perfect family holiday that rarely matches reality.

While Christmas Vacation is first and foremost a comedy, its underlying theme is surprisingly relatable: the pressure to create a flawless Christmas. Clark’s desperate pursuit of the idyllic holiday speaks to anyone who has tried too hard to force festive perfection.

The film also touches on financial stress, generational clashes, and the realities of hosting large family gatherings. Ultimately, though, the message is warm and reassuring: perfection is impossible, but the imperfect, messy moments are what make the holidays memorable.

Jeremiah S. Chechik’s direction keeps the tone brisk and lively, allowing each comedic set-piece the time it needs without overstretching. The production design captures a quintessential late-1980s American suburban Christmas, from overstuffed living rooms to garish light displays.

Angelo Badalamenti’s score—surprisingly, given his later association with David Lynch—adds a playful, whimsical tone that complements the film’s energy. The soundtrack also includes festive classics that reinforce the holiday charm.

Though Christmas Vacation received mixed contemporary reviews upon release, it has since cemented itself as a beloved classic. Its enduring appeal lies in its mixture of over-the-top comedy and relatable family experiences. Many viewers return to it annually, treating it as a seasonal tradition.

The film has had considerable cultural impact, spawning countless references, merchandise, and even a spin-off focused on Cousin Eddie. Yet none of these eclipses the original’s charm, which rests on its balance of anarchy and affection.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation remains one of the most entertaining festive comedies ever made. Buoyed by Chevy Chase’s iconic performance, John Hughes’ sharp writing, and a wealth of memorable moments, the film offers an ideal blend of slapstick humour and holiday sentiment. It affectionately mocks the stresses of Christmas while reminding us why the season matters in the first place.

More than three decades after its release, it continues to make audiences laugh, wince, and recognise their own family in the Griswolds’ chaotic celebrations.