What Was the Christmas Bonus in Christmas Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Christmas Vacation, a classic holiday film, has been entertaining audiences for over three decades. The movie is a timeless comedy that captures the spirit of Christmas, family, and the chaos that often comes along with both.

One memorable scene from the movie involves the discussion of a Christmas bonus. But what exactly was this Christmas bonus?

What is Christmas Vacation?

Before we dive into the details of the Christmas bonus in Christmas Vacation, let’s take a moment to discuss the movie itself. Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American comedy film directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, an optimistic and enthusiastic father who wants nothing but to give his family an unforgettable Christmas experience.

The Plot

The plot of the movie revolves around Clark Griswold’s attempts to create a perfect family Christmas despite several obstacles in his way. From dealing with unexpected guests to coping with various mishaps, Clark’s plans for a perfect holiday are continually derailed.

One subplot in the movie involves Clark receiving his anticipated Christmas bonus from his employer that he plans on using as part of his surprise gift for his family.

What Was The Bonus?

So what exactly was this elusive “Christmas bonus” that Clark was eagerly anticipating? According to the movie, it was supposed to be a check for $25,000 from Clark’s employer. This amount was expected by Clark as it was something he had received in previous years and had already spent in anticipation of receiving it again.

However, when Clark finally receives his envelope containing what he assumes is his bonus check during a company party hosted by his boss Frank Shirley (played by Brian Doyle-Murray), he discovers instead that it is a subscription to Jelly of the Month Club – which would send him jelly every month for an entire year!

The Significance Of The Bonus

The significance of the Christmas bonus in the movie lies in its importance to Clark Griswold, who had been counting on it to pay off his family’s mounting debts. The scene where he receives the Jelly of the Month Club subscription instead is a pivotal moment that highlights how sometimes things don’t go as planned during the holiday season.

The Takeaway

While the Christmas bonus in Christmas Vacation may not have been what Clark Griswold was expecting or hoping for, it ultimately taught him and his family a valuable lesson about the true meaning of Christmas. The movie reminds us that despite the challenges we may face during the holiday season, what matters most is spending quality time with loved ones and appreciating what we have.

In conclusion, while the Christmas bonus in Christmas Vacation may not have been what we were all anticipating, it played a significant role in shaping one of our favorite holiday movies’ plot. Ultimately, it taught us that sometimes things don’t go as planned during the holiday season – but that’s okay!