What Was Added to Aunt Bethany’s Jello in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re a fan of Christmas movies, you’ve probably seen “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at least once. The 1989 comedy classic features the Griswold family as they prepare for and celebrate the holidays.

One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Aunt Bethany arrives with her infamous Jello mold. However, it’s not just any Jello – it’s Jello with a secret ingredient that leaves everyone guessing what it could be.

The Mystery of Aunt Bethany’s Jello

From the moment Aunt Bethany walks through the door with her Jello mold in hand, viewers are left wondering what could be inside. The Jello is green and has chunks of something floating in it, which only adds to the mystery.

In one scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) tries to discreetly ask Aunt Bethany what she put in the Jello, but she can’t hear him and simply responds with “cat food?”. This only adds to the confusion.

The Big Reveal

It isn’t until later in the movie that viewers finally get an answer to what was added to Aunt Bethany’s Jello. During dinner, Cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) takes a bite and exclaims “this tastes like..” before being cut off by Aunt Bethany revealing that she added cat food to the Jello because “it needed something”.

Why Did She Add Cat Food?

While it may seem bizarre and even disgusting to some viewers, adding cat food to Jello wasn’t actually as uncommon as you might think back in the day. In fact, it was a popular trend during the 1950s-1970s when processed foods were all the rage.

People would often add canned meats like Spam or ham to their Jell-O salads for added flavor and texture. Cat food was just another option in a long list of unconventional ingredients.

Conclusion

While the idea of adding cat food to Jello may seem strange and unappetizing to many, it was a trend that had its moment in history. Aunt Bethany’s Jello adds a comical touch to an already hilarious movie and is just one of the many memorable moments from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”. So, the next time you’re making Jello for a holiday party, maybe stick to more traditional ingredients.unless you want to start your own trend.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • – Aunt Bethany’s Jello from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” was made with cat food.
  • – Adding unconventional ingredients like canned meats to Jell-O was popular during the 1950s-1970s.
  • – The use of cat food in Jello adds a comical touch to the movie and is still remembered today.