The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

As the holidays approach, Clark Griswold wants to have a perfect family Christmas, so he pesters his wife, Ellen , and children, as he tries to make sure everything is in line, including the tree and house decorations.

However, things go awry quickly. His hick cousin, Eddie, and his family show up unplanned and start living in their camper on the Griswold property. Even worse, Clark's employers renege on the holiday bonus he needs.