In McHenry, Illinois, one man is channeling his inner Clark Griswold this holiday season. Ted Ray has painstakingly recreated the iconic Ford Taurus wagon from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” complete with a 20-foot Christmas tree strapped to the roof and a “Griswold” license plate. He purchased the car a couple of years ago in Wisconsin for just $300, and each year, he adorns it with a fresh, albeit precarious, tree. “You can imagine what happens when you put a 50-pound tree on a roof rack,” Ray joked, adding that he meticulously painted and rebuilt parts of the car to ensure an accurate replica.
Beyond the car, Ray has transformed his entire house into a Christmas wonderland, complete with extensive light displays. His efforts have turned his home into a local tourist attraction, bringing joy to countless passersby. “I love Christmas,” Ray explained, “I love making people happy, and I love the smiles we’re putting on people’s faces.” Interestingly, Ray wasn’t even alive when the movie was released 35 years ago, yet he’s seen it hundreds of times and even named his children Russell and Audrey, after the Griswold children.
While his wife, Lindsay, wasn’t initially a fan of the movie, she supports his ambitious project. “It’s a lot,” she admitted, “but I know how happy it makes him. He likes to make people’s Christmases.” Ray himself acknowledges the challenges, stating, “I love her so much for letting me do this stuff. It does put a strain with people driving by.” Despite the potential inconveniences, Ray plans to keep the festive spirit alive, leaving the lights and the car up until mid-January.