If you’re a fan of the holiday classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” you may have noticed that Chevy Chase’s character, Clark Griswold, wears a variety of different jerseys throughout the movie. However, one in particular has become quite iconic among fans: the Chicago Bears jersey that he dons during one memorable scene. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at that famous jersey and its significance to both the film and sports fans alike.
The Jersey
The jersey in question is a navy blue Chicago Bears football jersey with orange and white stripes on the sleeves and the number 00 on the front and back. It also features the Bears’ signature “C” logo on each sleeve. The jersey is made by Reebok and is an officially licensed NFL product.
The Scene
The scene where Clark wears the Bears jersey takes place towards the end of the film, when his family is gathered in the living room on Christmas Eve. As they anxiously wait for their bonus checks to arrive, Clark decides to entertain them by plugging in his outdoor Christmas lights. However, due to a series of mishaps, he ends up falling off of his roof and getting tangled up in his ladder.
As he lies there on the ground, tangled up in lights and covered in snow, Clark’s neighbor Todd comes over to check on him. It’s at this point that we see Clark wearing the now-famous Bears jersey.
Todd comments on it, saying “Hey Griswold, where do you think you’re gonna put a tree that big?” To which Clark responds, “Bend over and I’ll show you.”
The Significance
So why did director Jeremiah S. Chechik choose to have Clark wear a Bears jersey in this scene? It turns out that there are actually a few different reasons.
First and foremost, the Bears jersey is a nod to Chicago, the city where the film takes place. The Griswold family lives in the suburbs of Chicago, and throughout the movie there are several references to local landmarks and attractions. The Bears are also a beloved sports team in Chicago, so having Clark wear their jersey was a way to further tie the film to the city.
Additionally, the Bears jersey represents something of a running joke throughout the movie. Early on in the film, Clark’s son Rusty asks him if he’s going to be bringing home his bonus check soon.
Clark responds by saying that he’s going to use it to finally join the “Jelly of the Month Club.” However, as it turns out, his boss ends up giving him a membership to the “Jelly of the Month Club” instead of a bonus check.
Later on in the movie, when Clark is struggling with his Christmas lights on his roof, he mutters to himself “I hope nobody I know drives by and sees me standing in the yard staring at my house in my underwear.” This is a reference to an earlier scene where Clark accidentally locks himself out of his house while wearing nothing but his underwear and a Bears jersey.
The Legacy
Since its release in 1989, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has become something of a holiday classic. The film has spawned countless memes and references over the years, with Chevy Chase’s portrayal of Clark Griswold becoming one of his most iconic roles.
The Bears jersey itself has also become something of an icon among fans. It’s not uncommon to see people wearing replicas of it during Halloween or at Christmas parties. There are even websites dedicated solely to selling replicas of Clark’s famous shirt.
In conclusion, while there may not be any deep hidden meaning behind Chevy Chase’s choice to wear a Chicago Bears jersey in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” it has certainly become a symbol of both the film and the city of Chicago itself. And for many fans, it’s a beloved piece of holiday movie history that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.