National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become a holiday staple since its 1989 release. With its slapstick humor, over-the-top antics, and Chevy Chase’s portrayal of the zany Clark Griswold, the film perfectly captures the chaos of trying to pull off the “perfect family Christmas.” However, beneath the layers of comedic mishaps lies a deeper question: Is Clark Griswold the hero we celebrate—or the villain of his own story?
While Clark’s intentions are noble, his actions often lead to chaos, making him less of a hero and more of an unintentional antagonist. Here’s why Clark Griswold might just be the real villain of Christmas Vacation.
1. Endangering His Family with Reckless Behavior
From the opening scene, Clark’s impulsive and dangerous tendencies take center stage. His insistence on engaging in a high-speed road rivalry with two strangers jeopardizes not only his safety but also that of his family. Driving under a semi-truck might make for a heart-stopping laugh, but in reality, it’s a display of sheer negligence.
Clark’s stubbornness and pride often override common sense, turning simple situations into dangerous escapades. His inability to prioritize safety over his ego sets the tone for the rest of the film.
2. Ignoring His Daughter’s Health
Clark’s obsession with finding the “perfect Christmas tree” leads the Griswolds deep into the snowy wilderness. While the scene is humorous, it highlights his disregard for his daughter Audrey’s well-being. With freezing temperatures leaving her eyelids nearly frozen shut, Clark still refuses to abandon the mission.
It’s a comedic exaggeration, but it reflects Clark’s one-track mind. His relentless pursuit of holiday perfection often comes at the expense of his family’s comfort and health.
3. Disregarding His Wife’s Concerns
Behind Clark’s antics is Ellen Griswold, the ever-patient wife who tries to ground him in reality. Time and again, she warns Clark about his over-the-top ideas and their potential consequences. Yet, he brushes off her concerns, steamrolling ahead with his grand plans.
Whether it’s stringing up thousands of Christmas lights or inviting the extended family to stay, Clark’s lack of consideration for Ellen’s input underscores his selfish tendencies. Despite their love, his inability to compromise or listen creates unnecessary tension.
4. Harassing His Neighbors
Clark’s interactions with his upscale neighbors, Todd and Margo, range from petty to outright destructive. While their yuppie attitudes might make them unsympathetic, Clark’s actions are far from justified. From hurling insults to accidentally destroying their property, Clark’s negligence turns their lives into a series of unfortunate events.
The falling tree, the shattered stereo, and the cascading icicles—all these mishaps stem from Clark’s lack of foresight. While played for laughs, his behavior highlights a troubling disregard for those around him.
5. Openly Lusting After the Saleswoman
One of Clark’s most cringe-worthy moments occurs during his interaction with a lingerie saleswoman. His bumbling flirtation crosses into sleazy territory, especially considering his role as a husband and father. The scene may be played for humor, but it reveals a lack of respect for his marriage and boundaries.
To make matters worse, his son Rusty catches him in the act, adding another layer of awkwardness to an already inappropriate situation.
6. His Explosive Temper Tantrums
Clark’s short fuse is a recurring theme throughout Christmas Vacation. Whether it’s bashing Santa Claus lawn ornaments or delivering an unhinged tirade about his Jelly of the Month Club bonus, his temper often spirals out of control.
While his rants are undeniably hilarious, they paint a picture of a man teetering on the edge. His inability to manage stress or disappointment results in destructive outbursts that affect everyone around him.
7. Verbal Abuse of Family Members
Clark’s frustrations frequently manifest as cutting remarks directed at his family. Cousin Eddie, Uncle Lewis, and even his wife Ellen bear the brunt of his biting commentary. While much of it is intended as humor, some of his remarks cross the line into verbal abuse.
Threatening to leave Eddie in the wilderness or making snide comments about Uncle Lewis’s age might be jokes in the moment, but they reflect a darker side to Clark’s character.
8. The Lack of Personal Growth
In many holiday films, the protagonist undergoes a journey of self-discovery, emerging with a newfound appreciation for the true meaning of Christmas. Clark, however, does not follow this arc. Despite the chaos he causes, he remains unchanged, perpetuating the same reckless behavior throughout the Vacation series.
Clark’s refusal to reflect on his actions or learn from his mistakes keeps him trapped in a cycle of chaos. This lack of growth distinguishes him from other flawed but redeemable holiday characters, like Scrooge or the Grinch.
9. Dragging Others into His Schemes
Clark’s determination to create a “good old-fashioned family Christmas” drags everyone into his web of disasters. Whether it’s Cousin Eddie kidnapping Clark’s boss or the entire family enduring his lighting debacle, Clark’s schemes often have unintended consequences for those around him.
His insistence on perfection blinds him to the fact that Christmas is about togetherness, not extravagant displays or over-the-top gestures. Ironically, his attempts to make everything “perfect” create most of the film’s problems.
10. The Fallout of His Actions
By the end of the film, Clark has caused significant damage—to his home, his relationships, and even his neighbors’ property. While the chaos resolves itself in a heartwarming finale, it’s clear that much of the trouble could have been avoided if Clark had simply scaled back his ambitions.
The fallout from his actions leaves a trail of destruction, highlighting the unintended consequences of his relentless pursuit of holiday perfection.
Conclusion: A Flawed Yet Lovable Character
Clark Griswold may not fit the mold of a traditional holiday hero, but that’s precisely what makes him so relatable. His imperfections, missteps, and over-the-top antics mirror the struggles many face during the holiday season. While his actions might make him the villain of Christmas Vacation, they also make him human.
At its core, the film is a reminder that Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing the chaos and finding joy in the imperfections. Clark Griswold, for all his flaws, captures the spirit of trying, failing, and laughing through it all. And perhaps that’s what makes him the perfect protagonist for this beloved holiday classic.
