Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. One of the most iconic moments in the film is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, receives a gift from his boss. But what exactly is the gift given in Christmas Vacation?
The Scene
If you’re unfamiliar with the movie, here’s a quick recap: Clark Griswold is a family man who wants to give his family the perfect Christmas. He decorates his house with thousands of lights and invites his extended family over for the holidays. Meanwhile, he’s waiting for his Christmas bonus from work.
When he finally receives the bonus, he’s excited to see how much money he’ll get. However, when he opens it, he finds out that it’s actually a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
What Is the Jelly of the Month Club?
The Jelly of the Month Club is a fictional subscription service where members receive a different flavor of jelly each month. In other words, it’s not exactly an exciting gift.
Why Is It Such a Disappointment?
Clark is understandably disappointed by this gift. He was expecting something more substantial like a cash bonus or maybe even a nice watch. Instead, he got something that seems like an afterthought.
The scene is funny because it highlights how disappointing it can be to receive a bad gift. Clark had been waiting all year for this bonus and had built up expectations in his mind about what it could be. When those expectations weren’t met, he was let down.
What Is the Significance?
The significance of this scene lies in its relatability. Everyone has received a bad gift at some point in their life. Whether it’s an ugly sweater or an impractical kitchen gadget, we’ve all experienced that feeling of disappointment when we realize that the gift we’re unwrapping isn’t what we hoped for.
The scene also serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we have. While Clark may have been disappointed in his gift, he still had a loving family and a roof over his head. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in material possessions and forget about the things that really matter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gift given in Christmas Vacation is the Jelly of the Month Club, a fictional subscription service where members receive a different flavor of jelly each month. While this gift may seem like a letdown to Clark Griswold, it serves as a relatable reminder to be grateful for what we have and not get too caught up in material possessions.