National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday comedy that has been entertaining audiences for decades. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold receives a gift from his company, only to find out that it’s not what he expected.
So, what was the gift in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Let’s take a closer look.
The Set-Up
The movie centers around the Griswold family as they prepare for Christmas. Clark, played by Chevy Chase, is determined to have the perfect holiday and goes to great lengths to make it happen. One of his biggest concerns is getting his annual bonus from work, which he plans on using to install a pool in his backyard.
The Gift
Clark receives an envelope from his company and assumes it’s his bonus check. He gathers his family around the tree and prepares to open it, with visions of a new pool dancing in his head.
As he tears open the envelope, he discovers that instead of a check for $25,000, he has been enrolled in the Jelly of the Month Club. At first, Clark doesn’t realize what this means and assumes that he’s received some sort of gourmet jelly selection.
What is the Jelly of the Month Club?
The Jelly of the Month Club is a fictional subscription service that sends its members a different flavor of jelly each month. In the movie, it’s presented as an absurd and insulting gift since Clark was expecting a cash bonus.
Clark’s Reaction
Clark initially tries to be polite about receiving such an underwhelming gift but quickly becomes enraged when he realizes that this means he won’t be getting his bonus check. He launches into one of his trademark rants, shouting expletives about his boss and how unfair it all is.
It’s worth noting that while Clark’s reaction is over the top, it’s also understandable. He had been counting on that bonus check and the disappointment of not receiving it is palpable.
The Significance
The gift of the Jelly of the Month Club is significant because it represents a turning point in the movie. Up until this point, Clark has been determined to have a perfect Christmas and has been putting a lot of pressure on himself. The disappointment of not getting his bonus check, coupled with the absurdity of the Jelly of the Month Club gift, pushes him over the edge.
From this point forward, things start to unravel for the Griswold family. It’s as if Clark’s disappointment sets off a chain reaction of mishaps and misfortunes that culminate in one of the most chaotic and hilarious Christmas celebrations ever captured on film.
The Takeaway
While the gift in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation might seem like a throwaway gag, it actually serves an important purpose in the story. It represents a moment where Clark’s expectations clash with reality, setting off a chain reaction that leads to chaos and ultimately teaches him an important lesson about what really matters during the holidays.
So, while you might not be receiving a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club this holiday season, take a lesson from Clark Griswold and try not to get too caught up in your own expectations. After all, sometimes it’s those unexpected surprises that end up making for the best memories.
- Key Takeaways:
- The gift in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was an enrollment in the Jelly of The Month Club.
- Clark Griswold was expecting his annual bonus from work but instead received this underwhelming gift.
- The significance behind this gift is that it represents a turning point in the movie and teaches Clark an important lesson about what really matters during the holidays.