What Is on the Jello in Christmas Vacation?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic holiday movie “Christmas Vacation,” then you’re probably familiar with the infamous scene where Clark Griswold attempts to serve his family a festive treat- Jello with cat food. While this scene is undoubtedly comical, many viewers are left wondering what exactly is on the Jello in Christmas Vacation? Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly, it’s important to note that the substance on top of the Jello is not actually cat food, but rather a canned cranberry sauce. This may come as a relief to those who were cringing at the thought of Clark serving his family pet food for dessert.

But why did Clark put cranberry sauce on top of Jello in the first place? Well, it turns out that this combination is actually quite common in some parts of the United States. In fact, many families serve “Jellied Cranberry Sauce” as a side dish during their holiday meals.

Now, onto the Jello itself. Based on its bright green color and jiggly consistency, we can assume that Clark made lime-flavored Jello. This flavor is also commonly associated with Christmas due to its festive color.

To create this iconic dessert, simply prepare a package of lime-flavored Jello according to the instructions on the box and allow it to set. Once set, carefully spoon canned cranberry sauce onto the top of the Jello and spread it out evenly.

Voila! You now have your very own Christmas Vacation-inspired dessert.

While serving Jello with cranberry sauce may not be for everyone, it’s certainly an interesting and unique way to add some holiday flair to your dessert table. And who knows- maybe your family will even get a kick out of recreating this classic movie moment at your next holiday gathering.

In conclusion, while there may have been some initial confusion surrounding what exactly was on Clark Griswold’s Jello in Christmas Vacation, we now know that it was a combination of lime-flavored Jello and canned cranberry sauce. So go ahead, give this festive dessert a try and see for yourself why it’s become such a beloved holiday tradition.