If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, then you probably remember the iconic scene where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) is standing outside with his family, ready to cut down their Christmas tree. As they begin to saw away at the base of the tree, a squirrel suddenly jumps out and wreaks havoc on their holiday plans. But what kind of animal was it exactly?
After some research and careful analysis of the scene, it can be concluded that the animal that jumps out of the tree in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is indeed a squirrel.
Squirrel
This furry little creature is known for its bushy tail and ability to climb trees with ease. In fact, squirrels are so good at climbing that they can run up a tree trunk headfirst and leap from branch to branch with incredible agility.
How Did it End Up in the Tree?
It’s unclear exactly how the squirrel ended up in the Griswold family’s Christmas tree. However, it’s not uncommon for squirrels to make their homes in trees during the winter months. They build nests out of leaves and twigs high up in trees to stay warm and protected from predators.
When Clark Griswold cut down his Christmas tree, he may have unknowingly disturbed this squirrel’s home and caused it to jump out in a panic.
- Fun Fact: Squirrels are known for hoarding food during the fall months to prepare for winter.
The Squirrel Scene
The scene in which the squirrel jumps out of the tree is one of the most memorable moments from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. As soon as Clark begins sawing away at the base of the tree, his son Rusty notices something moving inside.
“Hey Dad,” Rusty says, “This tree won’t fit in our back yard.”
Clark ignores him and continues sawing until the squirrel jumps out and lands on his shoulder. Chaos ensues as the squirrel runs around the yard, jumping on family members and causing general mayhem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the animal that jumps out of the tree in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a squirrel. This little critter may have been disturbed from its winter home inside the tree, causing it to jump out in a panic. While it may have caused chaos for the Griswold family, this scene has become a classic moment in holiday movie history.