What Is the L Shaped Present in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday film that has been a favorite of families for decades. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, tries to untangle a massive ball of Christmas lights.

As he struggles with the tangle, he mutters under his breath about an “L-shaped” present. But what exactly is the L-shaped present?

The L-Shaped Present

The L-shaped present is a running joke throughout the movie and is mentioned several times by Clark Griswold. It refers to an oddly shaped gift that he has purchased for his family but can’t seem to figure out how to wrap.

According to Clark, the present is shaped like an “L,” which makes it nearly impossible to wrap neatly. The shape of the gift is never revealed in the movie, but it’s clear from Clark’s frustration that it’s not an easy shape to work with.

The Significance of the L-Shaped Present

While the L-shaped present may seem like a minor detail in Christmas Vacation, it actually serves as a symbol for one of the central themes of the movie: family.

Throughout the film, Clark struggles to create the perfect Christmas for his family. He wants everything to be just right, from the decorations to the gifts. But despite his best efforts, things always seem to go wrong.

The L-shaped present represents Clark’s desire to give his family something special and unique. Even though it’s difficult to wrap and may not look perfect under the tree, he knows that his family will appreciate the effort he put into finding something they will love.

  • Clark’s Journey
  • Clark’s journey throughout Christmas Vacation revolves around his attempts to create a memorable holiday for his loved ones. From cutting down his own tree to installing 25,000 lights on his house, he goes to great lengths to make the holiday special.

    But despite his best efforts, things don’t always go as planned. The tree is too big for the living room, the lights won’t turn on, and the turkey is dry. But through it all, Clark remains determined to make the best of the situation and give his family a Christmas they will never forget.

  • The Importance of Family
  • The L-shaped present is just one example of how Clark’s desire to create a perfect holiday for his family reflects the importance of family in Christmas Vacation. While there are plenty of mishaps and miscommunications along the way, at its core, the movie is about coming together with loved ones during the holidays.

    Clark’s frustration with the L-shaped present represents his dedication to making sure that every member of his family feels appreciated and loved during Christmas. Even though he may not get everything right, he knows that what matters most is spending time with those who matter most.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, while it may seem like a small detail in Christmas Vacation, the L-shaped present plays an important role in highlighting one of the movie’s main themes: family. Clark’s determination to give his loved ones something special represents his commitment to creating a memorable holiday for everyone involved. And even though things don’t always go as planned, what matters most is coming together with family during this special time of year.