National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday film that has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The movie follows the Griswold family as they prepare for Christmas and encounter a series of hilarious mishaps along the way. One of the most memorable parts of the film is when the Griswolds receive a collection of gifts from their employer, Mr. Shirley.
What Are the Gifts?
Mr. Shirley sends the Griswolds a large crate filled with what he calls his “Jelly-of-the-Month” club. Inside the crate are twelve different flavors of jelly, each one labeled with a different month of the year. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is initially thrilled with the gift, but his excitement quickly turns to disappointment when he realizes that it’s not a bonus check.
The Significance of the Gifts
The gifts in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are significant because they represent the disconnect between employers and their employees. Mr. Shirley believes that he’s doing something generous by sending his employees jelly every month, but to Clark Griswold and his family, it’s just another reminder that they’re not valued by their employer.
The gifts also serve as a commentary on how consumerism has taken over Christmas. In the movie, Clark is so focused on getting a bonus check from his employer that he forgets about the true meaning of Christmas – spending time with family and friends.
The Legacy of the Gifts
The gifts in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation have become iconic in pop culture. Fans of the movie often reference them during holiday season and many companies have even created their own “Jelly-of-the-Month” clubs as a nod to Mr. Shirley’s gift.
In conclusion, while receiving twelve jars of jelly may not seem like an exciting gift, it has become an important part of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’s legacy. The gifts represent the commercialization of Christmas and the disconnect between employers and their employees. So, next time you watch the movie, pay close attention to the crate of jelly – it’s more than just a gift, it’s a symbol.