What Was Clark’s Bonus in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of the classic Christmas comedy ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ you might remember the scene where Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, receives a bonus check from his company as part of his holiday decorations budget. But what was Clark’s bonus, exactly? Let’s take a closer look.

The Setup

In the movie, Clark is eagerly anticipating his Christmas bonus from his company, expecting it to be a substantial amount that will allow him to complete his elaborate holiday decorations and put some extra cash in his pocket. He even goes as far as to put a deposit down on an in-ground swimming pool with the expectation that he’ll be able to pay it off with his bonus.

The Big Reveal

When the bonus finally arrives, it’s not quite what Clark was hoping for. Instead of a large sum of money, he receives a one-year membership to the Jelly of the Month Club. Clark is understandably disappointed and frustrated by this turn of events, leading him to go on a rant about his boss and what he’d like to do to him.

What Is the Jelly of the Month Club?

For those unfamiliar with the concept, the Jelly of the Month Club is essentially a subscription service that sends members different flavors of jelly each month for a year. While it might seem like an odd gift choice for an employee bonus, it’s possible that Clark’s boss thought it would be more personal and thoughtful than just giving him cash.

The Lesson Learned

While Clark is initially upset about his less-than-ideal bonus, he eventually comes around and realizes that spending time with family during the holidays is more important than any amount of money or material possessions. In fact, he even has a heartwarming moment where he thanks his boss for “the gift that keeps on giving” after realizing the true value of the Jelly of the Month Club.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Clark Griswold’s bonus in ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ was a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
    • The Jelly of the Month Club is a subscription service that sends members different flavors of jelly each month for a year.
    • While Clark is initially disappointed, he eventually learns that spending time with family is more important than material possessions.

In Conclusion

So, while Clark’s bonus might not have been what he was expecting or hoping for, it ultimately taught him an important lesson about what truly matters during the holiday season. And who knows – maybe he even developed a newfound love for jelly in the process.