National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989

In the heartwarming yet chaotic holiday tale, Chicago-area resident Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) sets out to create an unforgettable Christmas experience with his loving family, including wife Ellen and their children Audrey and Rusty. The enthusiastic patriarch embarks on a picturesque tree-hunting adventure in the countryside, ultimately selecting the largest specimen they can find. Although he fails to consider the logistics of transporting it back home, Clark’s unyielding optimism prevails as they manage to uproot the tree instead. As he navigates the bustling mall, Clark catches the eye of a stunning cashier and, fueled by his romantic inclinations, begins to spin a web of deceit in an attempt to win her over.

Unbeknownst to Clark, his festive plans inadvertently set off a chain reaction of escalating chaos for their yuppie neighbors, Todd (Brian Doyle-Murray) and Margo Chester. The arrival of both Clark’s and Ellen’s parents, who promptly begin bickering, adds to the growing sense of unease within the family. Undeterred by the mayhem surrounding him, Clark remains steadfast in his commitment to making this Christmas one to remember.

In a bold display of holiday cheer, Clark adorns the exterior of their home with an astonishing 25,000 twinkling lights, temporarily plunging the entire city into darkness once they’re finally activated. Meanwhile, Ellen’s cousin Catherine and her husband Eddie arrive unannounced, bearing two rambunctious young children, Rocky and Ruby Sue, along with their pet Rottweiler, Snots. As it becomes clear that Eddie has lost his fortune, forcing them to abandon their home and land, Clark steps in to purchase gifts for the children, ensuring they still experience a joyful Christmas.

As the night wears on, Clark’s senile Aunt Bethany (Doris Roberts) and cantankerous Uncle Lewis (Sandy Baron) join the festivities, further adding to the comedic chaos. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Clark becomes increasingly agitated over his boss, Frank Shirley’s, failure to deliver a long-overdue bonus, which he desperately needs to fund his dream swimming pool. Following a disastrous Christmas Eve dinner, during which Aunt Bethany’s feline companion meets an untimely demise and Uncle Lewis inadvertently reduces their meticulously decorated tree to ashes, a courier arrives bearing an unexpected package – a membership in the Jelly of the Month club, rather than the anticipated bonus. Clark’s frustration boils over as he wishes for Frank to materialize at the house, allowing him to voice his discontent directly.

As Eddie takes Frank’s request to literally, he snatches the unsuspecting boss away, with Frank eventually relenting and reinstating the Christmas bonuses under the stern gaze of Clark. Meanwhile, Helen, Frank’s wife, reaches out for help, prompting a SWAT team to descend upon the Griswold household, their guns drawn as they demand everyone’s surrender. In a surprising turn of events, Frank decides against pressing charges, opting instead to share his change of heart with both his wife and the SWAT leader, who chastise him for canceling the bonuses in the first place.

As the family ventures outdoors, Rocky and Ruby Sue spot what they believe is Santa Claus in the distance. Clark sets them straight, revealing that the festive glow is actually the Christmas Star, which has finally struck a chord with him. His newfound understanding of the holiday’s true meaning resonates deeply.

Uncle Lewis injects some much-needed skepticism into the proceedings, pointing out that the light is actually emanating from a nearby sewage treatment plant - a discovery that reminds Clark of Eddie’s questionable RV dumping habits. Before he can intervene, Uncle Lewis lights another cigar and carelessly discards the match, sparking a massive gas explosion that sends a blazing Santa decoration soaring into the night sky. As it disappears into the distance, Aunt Bethany breaks into a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which the entire gathering - including the Shirleys, the SWAT team, and even Snots - eagerly joins in on.

As the chaos dies down, Clark and Ellen share a romantic Christmas kiss, with Clark satisfied that he’s managed to create a truly memorable holiday for his family. The evening wraps up with the entire clan gathered inside, basking in the warmth of their shared experience.