In 1983, moviegoers were introduced to little Ralphie Parker. And even though A Christmas Story looms large today with 24-hour marathons, sequels, and merchandise, but it was a slow climb to the top.

Fun Links

• A Christmas Story House: Web site for the house / museum from the movie
• Triple Dog Dare: Book by Joanna Wilson (who appears in episode 16 this season), recounting her experience watching the entire 24-hour movie marathon
• Criminally Intrigued: Web site by Anthony, who shares a Christmas memory in this episode

Music from this episode

• “Losing Love” — Dexter Britain, via Free Music Archive
• “Sad Marimba Planet” — Lee Rosevere, via Free Music Archive
• “Nouvelle Noel” — Kevin MaCleod, via Incompetech
• “Poppyseed” — Podington Bear, via Free Music Archive

Be sure to follow Christmas Past on social media. I'm posting fun extra Christmassy content on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I also sometimes post things to Pinterest. You can send me messages in any of those places, or you can write me at christmaspastpodcast AT gmail DOT COM. I reply to every email I get!

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Connect with Me

• Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
• Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com

Books

Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. 

Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)