Is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Funny?

By Michael Ferguson

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a holiday classic that has been entertaining audiences since its release in 1989. But is it actually funny? Let’s take a closer look at the humor of this beloved film.

The Plot

First, let’s recap the plot. Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is determined to have a perfect Christmas with his family.

He decorates his house with an excessive amount of lights, hosts extended family members for dinner, and plans a big surprise for his wife Ellen (played by Beverly D’Angelo). However, everything that can go wrong does go wrong, from the arrival of unexpected guests to disastrous mishaps with the decorations.

The Characters

One of the strengths of Christmas Vacation is its cast of characters. Clark Griswold is an iconic character who embodies the holiday spirit, even as he becomes increasingly frazzled and frustrated.

His interactions with his wife and children are relatable and endearing. Meanwhile, Randy Quaid steals scenes as Cousin Eddie, an eccentric relative who shows up uninvited and causes chaos wherever he goes.

The Humor

So what makes Christmas Vacation funny? For starters, there are plenty of physical gags and slapstick humor throughout the film. From Clark falling off ladders to getting hit in the face with a tree branch, there are plenty of moments that will make you wince and laugh at the same time.

But there’s also plenty of clever wordplay and witty banter throughout the film. One memorable scene involves Clark trying to explain to his boss why he needs his Christmas bonus early:

Clark: “I was gonna call you tonight anyway, Margo. Something about.. kissing your ass.


Margo: “You’re not. just getting started? “
Clark: “Oh no, I’m. just getting warmed up!”

The film also satirizes the commercialization of Christmas and the pressure to have a perfect holiday. Clark’s obsession with having the perfect family Christmas is relatable, but his failures are exaggerated to hilarious effect.

The Verdict

So, is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation funny? Absolutely. With its memorable characters, physical humor, and clever writing, it’s a film that has stood the test of time and continues to be a holiday favorite for audiences of all ages.

If you haven’t seen it yet, give it a watch this holiday season. And if you’re already a fan, why not make it an annual tradition?