“I triple dog dare you!”

The first time I saw this movie, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Between the bunny suit and poor little Randy and his eating disorders, this movie has everything you could want from a Christmas holiday movie. It has horrible presents, hideous home décor and a miserable Santa, but most of all, it has a little boy’s dreams of being a hero.

This movie is based on a semi-fictitious account of author Jean Shepherd’s life growing up from his book, In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash.

A Christmas Story premiered in 1983, and between TNT and TBS, it has been an annual tradition ever since. TBS runs it as “24 Hours of A Christmas Story” with 12 consecutive showings from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, so you can’t say you didn’t have a chance to see it.

What makes this goofy story such a hit?

It’s a story about a “typical” suburban family in the 1940s America, and it’s filled with examples of ups and downs of family life. The overworked and underappreciated father; the slightly neurotic 40’s housewife torn between keeping her kids innocent and letting them grow up, and our hero, Ralphie, having to deal with being treated like a baby while learning to swear like his father and staying watchful for Black Bart.

I don't know why it's such a hit, and I don't know why I get a kick out of it every time I watch it, but there must be something to it, or it wouldn't be a Christmas tradition. Maybe it's our nostalgic longing for simpler times. Or maybe because it's a heartwarming story that makes us laugh. 

Throughout the story, Ralphie only wants to grow up, and he’s met with fierce resistance everywhere he turns.

If you’ve never seen this gem, I suggest you sit down and watch it. Between department store Santas and sticking your tongue onto a cold metal flagpole, you might see something from your childhood in it.

Something else you might like to see is a great selection of handmade gift ideas from these artists:

Vintage Poinsettia for Christmas Sticker

Colleen Cornelius

Sunrise Magical Canvas Print

Joanne Carey 

Snowflake and Snowman Keychain, Handmade Winter Purse Charm

Victorian Style Treasures 

Snowman with Green Scarf and Snowflakes

ClaireMDesigns2

Crocheted Christmas Red Jumper Infant

Magdalene Knits

Santa Says Do Not Open Til Dec 25 Christmas Stickers

Adore by Nat

Green Red Swarovski Crystal Earrings

Shadow Dog Designs 

Womens Kippah

Lindab142

Christmas Wreath Charm Aventurine Bar Necklace

RivendellRocksSedona

Buckeye Burl and Resin Exotic Wood Earrings

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd

Handmade Lampwork Glass Focal Bead

Covergirl Beads 

Angel Pendant Necklace With Birthstone Drop Charm

The Singing Beader 

Christmas Winter Cardinal Redbird Collectible Thimbles Decorative Handmade

Blue Morning Expressions 

Don’t see what you want here?

Here are some more places to shop handmade by these artists, and if nothing else, ask one of them to create something for you.

Countdown to Christmas 2022

Week 1

Week 2

Midweek Countdown to Christmas Posts 2022

Favorite Christmas Movies - How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Check back for more gift ideas.

Happy gift giving, 

Julie