Question: what Christmas movie is best? To tell you the truth there’s no easy answer. Most people when asked usually default to the slapstick antics of Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation .
But I’m here today to tell you that there’s another film, neatly tucked away in Christmas Past that is far superior! Settle in and see why A Christmas Story is way better than National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
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Let’s begin with the fact that Jean Sheperd’s narration is top notch.
Not only does Jean give us insight into the inner-workings of Ralphie’s mind, but he’s also Ralphie in real life!
Jean is the one who wrote A Christmas Story and the movie is based on his real-life anecdotes.
*A Christmas Story* expertly touches on all the essential Christmas nuances.
Who remembers writing letters to Santa? I know I sure do. I also remember what it felt like to stand frozen in the cold waiting for the Santa Claus Parade to end.
And who could forget that magical window-shopping scene? Absolutely priceless.
While we’re on the topic, can we agree that the jerky mall Santa is maybe the best film portrayal of Kris Kringle we’ve ever seen?
At the very least, it’s the most honest. Santas are always depicted as being these holly jolly saints and I for one don’t buy it.
If I had to endure hours of wailing pants-wetters, I’d probably kick a few down a slide myself.
*A Christmas Story* teaches kids a very valuable lesson.
Learning not to lick a frozen pole in wintertime is one of the most valuable life lessons a young person can learn.
It’s right up there with “Warm cookies and milk are good for you” and “Flush.”
Because we all know what it feels like to receive a bad gift.
Mick Jagger once famously penned, “You can’t always get what you want.”
I’d wager no one understands the weight of those words more than Ralphie. Can you imagine having to wear something like that? Have you ever had to?!
The film received a major award!
The Library of Congress created the National Film Registry as a way of honoring films that are “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant.”
A Christmas Story is one of only two Christmas movies included on the Registry.
It helps audiences remember what it felt like to believe in the magic of Christmas.
I think anyone who celebrated the holiday as a kid understands the anxiety of lying awake in bed on Christmas Eve; the joy of seeing that one special gift wrapped just for you under the tree on Christmas morning.
A Christmas Story transports you back to that simpler time, if only for a moment.
