Why Does the Tree Burn in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation,” you might remember the iconic scene where Clark Griswold and his family gather around the Christmas tree, only to have it burst into flames. But why did the tree burn? Let’s take a closer look.

The Tree

First, it’s important to understand that the tree in question is a real tree, not an artificial one. Real Christmas trees are known to dry out over time, especially if they’re not watered regularly. When a tree dries out, it becomes more flammable and can easily catch fire.

The Lights

In the movie, Clark Griswold takes great pride in decorating his house with thousands of twinkle lights. He also strings these lights around the Christmas tree. While beautiful, these lights can also be a fire hazard if not used properly.

Overloading

One reason why the tree might have caught fire is because Clark overloaded the electrical outlets by plugging in too many lights at once. This can cause an electrical short circuit and spark a fire.

Frayed Wires

Another possibility is that some of the wires on the string of lights were frayed or damaged in some way. Frayed wires can create sparks and even cause an electrical fire.

The Spark

It’s also important to note that in the movie, there’s a scene where Clark’s cat chews through one of the light cords, causing a spark. This spark falls onto the dry Christmas tree needles and ignites them, leading to a full-blown blaze.

Conclusion

So why did the tree burn in “Christmas Vacation”? It was likely due to a combination of factors: an overloaded electrical outlet, frayed wires on one or more light strings, and an errant spark from a damaged cord.

While it makes for an entertaining scene in the movie, it’s a good reminder to always be careful when decorating your own Christmas tree. Make sure to water it regularly, use lights responsibly, and never leave them on overnight or when you’re not home.