How Did the Tree Catch on Fire in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

During the iconic scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation where the Griswold family tries to light up their giant Christmas tree, things go terribly wrong and the tree catches on fire. This moment has become a classic part of holiday movie lore, but how did it happen?

Firstly, it’s important to understand that Christmas trees are highly flammable. The combination of dry needles, heat sources like lights or candles, and other flammable decorations can quickly turn a festive centerpiece into a dangerous fire hazard. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees are responsible for an average of 160 house fires every year.

In the case of the Griswold family tree, there were several factors that contributed to its fiery demise. Let’s break them down:

1. Overloaded Electrical System:
One of the major issues with the Griswold family’s Christmas decorations was that they had too many electrical items plugged into one outlet.

This included not only strands of lights on the tree but also exterior lights on their house and other decorations inside. This overloading caused a short circuit which then sparked a flame.

2. Cheap Wiring:
Another issue with the electrical system was that they used cheap wiring for their lights. This made them more prone to overheating and causing a fire.

3. Dried-out Tree:
As mentioned earlier, Christmas trees are highly flammable when they become dried out.

Unfortunately for the Griswold family, their tree had been sitting in their living room for quite some time before they attempted to decorate it. This meant that many of its needles had already dried out and were ready to ignite at any moment.

Once all these factors came together – overloaded electrical system, cheap wiring, and a dried-out tree – it was only a matter of time before disaster struck.

So what can we learn from this scene? Firstly, it’s important to always follow proper safety protocols when decorating your home for the holidays. This means not overloading electrical outlets, using high-quality wiring and lights, and regularly watering your Christmas tree to keep it from drying out.

Additionally, it’s important to have working smoke detectors in your home and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency. These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your family safe during the holiday season.

In conclusion, while the scene of the Griswold family’s Christmas tree catching on fire is a classic moment in holiday movie history, it also serves as an important reminder of the dangers associated with holiday decorations. By taking proper safety precautions, we can all enjoy a festive and safe holiday season.