What Was Clark’s Bonus in Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of classic Christmas movies, chances are you’ve seen “Christmas Vacation” at least a few times. This 1989 film is a beloved holiday classic that tells the story of the Griswold family’s attempts to have the perfect Christmas.

One of the most memorable moments in the movie is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, finally receives his long-awaited bonus from work. But what exactly was Clark’s bonus in “Christmas Vacation”? Let’s take a closer look.

Setting the Scene

Before we can talk about Clark’s bonus, let’s set the scene for those who may not remember the movie. “Christmas Vacation” follows Clark Griswold, his wife Ellen, and their two children as they prepare for Christmas. Clark is determined to have a perfect holiday season, complete with an enormous tree and thousands of twinkling lights on their house.

As the days go by, things start to go wrong. The tree is too big for their living room, their snooty neighbors are unimpressed with their decorations, and Ellen’s relatives show up unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Clark is anxiously awaiting his Christmas bonus from work so he can give his family an extra special holiday.

The Bonus

Finally, after much anticipation and anxiety on Clark’s part, he receives his bonus in the mail. He tears open the envelope eagerly and finds..a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.

Clark is understandably disappointed and frustrated by this gift. He had been counting on that bonus to pay for a new swimming pool he had already installed in his backyard (without telling Ellen). Instead of getting a check for thousands of dollars as he had hoped, he received twelve jars of jelly delivered to his doorstep every month.

The Significance

While it might seem like a letdown for viewers and for Clark, the Jelly of the Month Club is actually a significant gift. It represents the disconnect between what Clark expects from his employer and what he actually receives.

Clark has been working hard all year and expects to be rewarded accordingly. Instead, he’s given something that seems almost insulting.

The gift also speaks to the larger theme of the movie, which is about managing expectations and finding joy in unexpected places. Clark has to come to terms with the fact that his perfect Christmas isn’t going to happen, but he can still find happiness in spending time with his family.

Conclusion

So, what was Clark’s bonus in “Christmas Vacation”? It might not have been the check he was hoping for, but it was a memorable moment in a beloved holiday classic. The Jelly of the Month Club might seem like an odd gift, but it serves an important purpose in the story and underscores some of the themes of the movie.

As you watch “Christmas Vacation” this holiday season, take a moment to appreciate this scene and all its nuances. And maybe consider signing up for a jelly club membership of your own – you never know what unexpected joys it might bring.