When the holiday season arrives, one movie consistently puts us in the festive mood: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This 1989 classic has become a beloved tradition for many, reminding us why we cherish it. And a significant part of its charm lies in the memorable quotes that have etched themselves into our hearts.
From Clark Griswold’s hilarious mishaps to Cousin Eddie’s unforgettable one-liners, this film is a treasure trove of holiday humor. If you want to relive the laughter or share the joy with others, here are some of the best ‘Christmas Vacation quotes that capture the spirit of holiday hilarity.
60 Christmas Vacation Quotes
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “A little knot here, a little trim there – the perfect Christmas tree.”
- Description: Clark’s optimism in the face of a less-than-perfect tree reflects the holiday spirit of finding beauty in imperfections.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “Merry Christmas! Sh*tter was full.”
- Description: Eddie’s unique greeting reminds us that holiday mishaps can become treasured memories.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “There’s nothing like the laughter of a child to remind us how the world should be.”
- Description: Ellen’s heartwarming sentiment emphasizes the importance of family and joy during the holidays.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “When you see my name in lights, you’ll know your dad has become a big star.”
- Description: Clark’s playful promise to his kids captures the essence of familial love and support.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “You surprised to see us, Clark?”
- Description: Eddie’s unexpected visit adds a comical twist to the Griswold family’s holiday plans.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “We’re kicking off our fun, old-fashioned family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel-drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select the most important Christmas symbols.”
- Description: Clark’s lengthy and elaborate description of their quest for the perfect tree highlights the humor in his dedication to holiday traditions.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “I don’t know what we’re going to do with it, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in this together.”
- Description: Ellen’s resolve to make the best of the holiday season, even when things go awry, is a heartwarming reminder of the Christmas spirit.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “This tree symbolizes the spirit of the Griswold family Christmas.”
- Description: Clark’s dedication to the tree symbolizes the enduring traditions and values that make the Griswold Christmas special.
- Aunt Bethany
- Quote: “Is your house on fire, Clark?”
- Description: Aunt Bethany’s candid and humorous question adds a quirky touch to the Griswold family gathering.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “We’re kicking this holiday season off with a big bang.”
- Description: Clark’s enthusiasm for Christmas captures the anticipation and excitement that the season brings.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “You serious, Clark?”
- Description: Eddie’s deadpan response to Clark’s extravagant plans adds a dose of reality to the Griswold family’s holiday escapades.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Honey, we’re not driving out here, so you can get one of those stupid ties with Santa Clauses on it, are we, Dad?”
- Description: Clark’s daughter Audrey questions their holiday traditions, highlighting generational differences in Christmas expectations.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “Clark, we’re stuck under a truck!”
- Description: Ellen’s matter-of-fact observation adds a touch of chaos to their Christmas adventure.
- Todd Chester
- Quote: “Hey, Griswold, where do you think you’re gonna put a tree that big?”
- Description: Todd’s skepticism about the massive Christmas tree reflects the absurdity of the Griswold family’s holiday plans.
- Art Smith
- Quote: “Hurry up, Clark. I’m freezing my baguettes off.”
- Description: Art’s humorous comment about the cold weather adds a touch of irony to their Christmas preparations.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “We’re going to have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.”
- Description: Clark’s optimism reflects the enduring hope that the holiday season brings to families.
- Margo Chester
- Quote: “And why is the carpet all wet, Todd?”
- Description: Margo’s puzzled question hints at the unexpected twists in the Griswold family’s Christmas celebrations.
- Grandma Griswold
- Quote: “Don’t piss me off, Art.”
- Description: Grandma Griswold’s candid remark adds a dash of humor to the family dynamics during the holidays.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Are you serious, Clark? It’s Christmastime, and we’re all in misery.”
- Description: Clark’s realization that holiday chaos is inevitable adds a touch of irony to the season.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “If that thing had nine lives, she just spent ’em all.”
- Description: Eddie’s observation about the cat’s fate adds a humorous twist to their holiday mishaps.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “You’re the last true family man, Clark.”
- Description: Ellen’s compliment to her husband highlights Clark’s dedication to creating the perfect family Christmas.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.”
- Description: Clark’s honest admission about the holiday chaos resonates with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of Christmas.
- Uncle Lewis
- Quote: “You couldn’t hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant.”
- Description: Uncle Lewis’ exaggerated metaphor adds a touch of absurdity to their holiday preparations.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Welcome to our home—what’s left of it.”
- Description: Clark’s dry humor about the state of their home captures the challenges of holiday hosting.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “We’re having a great time, aren’t we, kids?”
- Description: Ellen’s attempt to keep the family’s spirits high amid holiday chaos reflects her unwavering optimism.
- Aunt Bethany
- Quote: “Is your house on fire, Clark?”
- Description: Aunt Bethany’s candid and humorous question adds a quirky touch to the Griswold family gathering.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Honey, we’re not driving out here, so you can get one of those stupid ties with Santa Clauses on it, are we, Dad?”
- Description: Clark’s daughter Audrey questions their holiday traditions, highlighting generational differences in Christmas expectations.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “Clark, we’re stuck under a truck!”
- Description: Ellen’s matter-of-fact observation adds a touch of chaos to their Christmas adventure.
- Todd Chester
- Quote: “Hey, Griswold, where do you think you’re gonna put a tree that big?”
- Description: Todd’s skepticism about the massive Christmas tree reflects the absurdity of the Griswold family’s holiday plans.
- Art Smith
- Quote: “Hurry up, Clark. I’m freezing my baguettes off.”
- Description: Art’s humorous comment about the cold weather adds a touch of irony to their Christmas preparations.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “We’re going to have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.”
- Description: Clark’s optimism reflects the enduring hope that the holiday season brings to families.
- Margo Chester
- Quote: “And why is the carpet all wet, Todd?”
- Description: Margo’s puzzled question hints at the unexpected twists in the Griswold family’s Christmas celebrations.
- Grandma Griswold
- Quote: “Don’t piss me off, Art.”
- Description: Grandma Griswold’s candid remark adds a dash of humor to the family dynamics during the holidays.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Are you serious, Clark? It’s Christmastime, and we’re all in misery.”
- Description: Clark’s realization that holiday chaos is inevitable adds a touch of irony to the season.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “If that thing had nine lives, she just spent ’em all.”
- Description: Eddie’s observation about the cat’s fate adds a humorous twist to their holiday mishaps.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “You’re the last true family man, Clark.”
- Description: Ellen’s compliment to her husband highlights Clark’s dedication to creating the perfect family Christmas.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “I don’t know what to say, but it’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.”
- Description: Clark’s honest admission about the holiday chaos resonates with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of Christmas.
- Uncle Lewis
- Quote: “You couldn’t hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant.”
- Description: Uncle Lewis’ exaggerated metaphor adds a touch of absurdity to their holiday preparations.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Welcome to our home—what’s left of it.”
- Description: Clark’s dry humor about the state of their home captures the challenges of holiday hosting.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “You serious, Clark?”
- Description: Eddie’s deadpan response to Clark’s extravagant plans adds a dose of reality to the Griswold family’s holiday escapades.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “This is crazy; this is crazy; this is crazy.”
- Description: Ellen’s humorous repetition of “this is crazy” emphasizes the chaotic nature of holiday preparations.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “Save the neck for me, Clark.”
- Description: Eddie’s peculiar request for the turkey neck adds a quirky touch to their Christmas dinner.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Oh, the silent majesty of a winter’s morn; the clean, cool chill of the holiday air; and an assh*le in his bathrobe, emptying a chemical toilet into my sewer.”
- Description: Clark’s poetic description of an otherwise absurd situation creates a humorous contrast.
- Aunt Bethany
- Quote: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…”
- Description: Aunt Bethany’s unique recital of the Pledge of Allegiance provides a comical twist to their Christmas gathering.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?”
- Description: Clark’s holiday hospitality takes an unexpected and humorous turn in this quote.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Oh, you’re goofy at ‘Eddie.'”
- Description: Clark’s playful comment about Eddie’s quirks showcases his ability to find humor in any situation.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “Sh*tter’s full.”
- Description: Eddie’s candid remark about the overflowing toilet humorously captures a common holiday mishap.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, kiss my ass. Kiss his ass. Happy Hanukkah.”
- Description: Clark’s outburst of holiday greetings adds a touch of irreverent humor to their Christmas festivities.
- Margo Chester
- Quote: “Why don’t you just ask him for the name of his decorator?”
- Description: Margo’s sarcastic suggestion reflects her exasperation with Clark’s over-the-top decorations.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Kids, don’t throw snowballs at that crazy driver.”
- Description: Clark’s plea to his kids highlights the chaos during their Christmas road trip.
- Aunt Bethany
- Quote: “Is Rusty still in the Navy?”
- Description: Aunt Bethany’s confusion about Rusty’s military service adds an amusing element to their family interactions.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “I have to feed the hog.”
- Description: Ellen’s casual remark about hog-feeding amidst holiday chaos adds a touch of absurdity.
- Art Smith
- Quote: “How’s your driving? Oh, not too bad. You got a heavy foot, kid.”
- Description: Art’s concern about Clark’s driving skills reflects the humorous dynamics of their family road trip.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Ellen, I never want to forget that sight as long as I live.”
- Description: Clark’s sentiment about a memorable moment highlights the beauty of Christmas traditions.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “I don’t know why they call this stuff ‘Hamburger Helper.’ It does just fine by itself, huh?”
- Description: Eddie’s culinary insight provides comic relief during their holiday meal.
- Todd Chester
- Quote: “Smokey back here, eh? Can’t see a damn thing.”
- Description: Todd’s comment about the smoke adds a touch of chaos to their holiday travel.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “Kids, don’t watch TV until you’ve seen this.”
- Description: Clark’s excitement about a particular holiday moment underscores the anticipation of Christmas.
- Cousin Eddie
- Quote: “That’s just because it’s such a nice surprise, Clark.”
- Description: Eddie’s perspective on a surprise highlights his unique way of viewing the world.
- Clark Griswold
- Quote: “That’s all part of the experience, honey.”
- Description: Clark’s attempt to reassure his family amidst holiday challenges underscores his determination to create the perfect Christmas.
- Ellen Griswold
- Quote: “It’s Christmas, and we’re all in misery.”
- Description: Ellen’s straightforward observation humorously acknowledges the trials of their holiday celebration.
These quotes are just a glimpse of the holiday magic that ‘Christmas Vacation’ brings to our lives. They remind us that amid the chaos and mishaps, the true spirit of Christmas is about family, togetherness, and, of course, laughter.
So, this holiday season, gather your loved ones, put your feet up, and indulge in the heartwarming hilarity of ‘Christmas Vacation.’ As Clark Griswold famously said, “We’re gonna have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.” And with these quotes, you’ll undoubtedly add some extra cheer to your celebrations.
