What Are the Gifts in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday film that has been entertaining audiences for decades. One of the things that makes this movie so memorable is the hilarious and sometimes outrageous gifts that the characters give and receive throughout the course of the film. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of these gifts and what they say about the characters who give them.

The Jelly of the Month Club

One of the most iconic gifts in Christmas Vacation is the Jelly of the Month Club. Clark Griswold’s boss, Frank Shirley, gives this gift to his employees as a way to cut costs during the holiday season.

Clark is understandably disappointed by this gift, as he was expecting a big bonus instead. The Jelly of the Month Club is a classic example of an impersonal and thoughtless gift, one that shows no appreciation for Clark’s hard work throughout the year.

The Chainsaw

Another memorable gift in Christmas Vacation is the chainsaw that Clark receives from his cousin Eddie. While this gift may seem odd at first glance, it actually makes perfect sense given Eddie’s character.

He is portrayed as a rough-around-the-edges type who enjoys hunting and working with his hands. The chainsaw reflects Eddie’s practical nature and his desire to give Clark something that he can use around his house.

The Cat

One gift that nobody wants in Christmas Vacation is Aunt Bethany’s cat. This poor feline gets wrapped up in a box as a gag gift, but nobody realizes that it’s actually alive until it starts meowing inside the box.

This scene highlights how thoughtless and cruel some people can be when it comes to giving gifts. Aunt Bethany clearly didn’t put any effort into finding an appropriate present for her family members, and instead chose something she thought would be funny without considering how it might affect others.

The Bonus Check

At the end of the movie, Clark finally gets the gift he was hoping for all along – a big bonus check from his boss. This gift is significant not only because it’s a substantial amount of money, but also because it shows that Frank Shirley has finally acknowledged Clark’s hard work and dedication to the company. The bonus check is a symbol of appreciation and recognition, something that every employee hopes for from their employer.

Conclusion

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is filled with memorable gifts that range from hilarious to thoughtless to heartwarming. These gifts reveal a lot about the characters who give them, and help to create a world that feels both familiar and absurd at the same time. Whether you’re watching this movie for the first time or the fiftieth, these gifts will always be an essential part of its charm and humor.