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Embodying the Spirit of Holidays with Wisdom and Wit

Navigating Festive Chaos: A Hotel Solution for Family Gatherings

The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and logistical challenges, particularly when hosting extended family. Beverly D'Angelo, beloved for her role as Ellen Griswold, suggests a novel approach to mitigate common festive stressors: consider booking family members into a hotel. This strategy, she explains, allows for greater personal space and convenience, sparing hosts from the early morning commotion of relatives navigating unfamiliar kitchens. D'Angelo's partnership with Wyndham Hotels aims to provide solutions for a more tranquil holiday experience, offering special incentives like status upgrades for Wyndham Rewards members, which can facilitate late check-outs or room upgrades for guests.

The Enduring Appeal of the Griswold Saga: Love, Stability, and Unconditional Support

D'Angelo profoundly connects with her character, Ellen Griswold, identifying strongly with Ellen's unwavering commitment to family cohesion. She describes Ellen as the stabilizing force within the chaotic Griswold household, always ensuring that the family's collective efforts sum up to a 'hundred percent,' providing a secure environment for the children. D'Angelo views the 'Vacation' movies fundamentally as love stories, where Ellen's steadfast loyalty to Clark, despite his eccentricities and misadventures, forms the emotional core. This portrayal of enduring love and mutual support resonates deeply with audiences, making the Griswolds a beloved part of many families' holiday traditions.

Personal Reflections on Holiday Traditions and Parenthood

Reflecting on her own life, D'Angelo shares that the magic of Christmas, for her, truly blossomed with parenthood. While she had a less ceremonial view of the holidays in her youth, having children transformed the season into a significant period of celebration and gratitude. She advocates for a less materialistic approach to gift-giving, emphasizing shared experiences and emotional connections over physical presents. D'Angelo stresses the importance of creating moments of giving and appreciation, particularly in today's demanding world, and commends parents for navigating the complexities of raising children amidst modern pressures, suggesting that fostering stability and security remains paramount.

Ellen's Legacy: A Model of Resilience and Devotion

D'Angelo's interpretation of Ellen Griswold extends beyond the comedic antics of the films; she sees Ellen as a symbol of resilience and quiet strength. Ellen's consistent support for Clark, her dedication to her family, and her ability to maintain a sense of calm amidst disarray highlight a deeper message about devotion and the unspoken work involved in maintaining a family's well-being. This perspective underscores Ellen's role not just as a character, but as a relatable figure who embodies the spirit of unconditional family love and the quiet heroism found in everyday parenting.

Embracing the Wisdom of Parental Guidance

The conversation culminates in an appreciation for the wisdom passed down through generations, particularly the advice D'Angelo received from her mother regarding parental effort. The philosophy that 'it doesn't matter how much you give, as long as in the end it adds up to a hundred percent' serves as a guiding principle for D'Angelo, both in her personal life and her understanding of Ellen Griswold. This insight encourages parents to focus on the overall stability and security they provide, rather than striving for perfection in every single moment, thereby fostering a strong sense of stability and belonging for their children.