What Jersey Is Clark Wearing in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” you may have wondered what type of jersey Clark Griswold is wearing during the famous sled scene. The answer may surprise you!

The Jersey
Clark’s jersey features the logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, a professional ice hockey team from Illinois. The logo consists of a Native American head in profile, with colorful feathers and a tomahawk.

The Controversy
In recent years, there has been controversy surrounding the use of Native American imagery in sports logos and team names. Many argue that these depictions are offensive and disrespectful to Indigenous peoples. In fact, several professional sports teams have changed their names and logos in response to this criticism.

However, it’s worth noting that the Blackhawks organization has worked with Indigenous groups to ensure that their logo and mascot are respectful and accurate representations of Native American culture.

The Story Behind the Jersey

So how did Clark end up wearing a Blackhawks jersey? The answer lies with Chevy Chase, who played Clark in the film. Chase is a big fan of both sports and comedy, so he thought it would be funny to have his character wear a sports jersey during the sled scene.

The filmmakers originally wanted Clark to wear a plain red sweater for this scene, but Chase insisted on wearing a hockey jersey instead. He chose the Blackhawks because he liked their logo and thought it would look good on screen.

The Impact

While it may seem like a small detail, Clark’s jersey has actually had a lasting impact on both pop culture and sports fandom. Fans of “Christmas Vacation” often seek out replicas of the jersey to wear during holiday parties or while watching the movie.

Additionally, some Blackhawks fans credit the film with sparking their interest in hockey or even leading them to become lifelong fans of the team.

  • Overall, Clark’s Blackhawks jersey may have been a fun joke in the context of the film, but it has become an enduring symbol of both holiday cheer and sports fandom.

So the next time you watch “Christmas Vacation,” take a closer look at Clark’s attire during the sled scene. You just might spot a bit of sports history tucked in amongst the tinsel and lights.