National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Plot

The movie begins with Clark taking his family on the search for a perfect Christmas tree.

Clark has been working on a project at his firm which he expects will bring in a good Christmas bonus. Clark plans to use the bonus to put in a swimming pool, on which he has already laid down a $7,500 deposit.

On Christmas Eve a delivery from the company arrives at the house, everyone expecting it to be the long-awaited bonus. Unfortunately, Clark's boss cut out bonuses without informing his employees. As a substitute, Clark is enrolled in the "Jelly of the Month" club.

Clark has now reached his boiling point, going through several outbursts out of severe frustration. The family attempts to leave due to the events of the evening. Clark's cousin-in-law Eddie then kidnaps Clark's boss, and the boss finally sees reason about the Christmas bonuses.