Jean Shepherd publishes the semi-autobiographical stories that inspired A Christmas Story in various magazines and books.
The movie A Christmas Story is released in theaters, becoming a seasonal holiday classic.
The film begins airing annually on television during the Christmas season, growing in popularity each year.
Ralphie expresses his wish to receive a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
Ralphie's teacher announces the upcoming school Christmas play and auditions begin.
Ralphie receives a disappointing secret Santa gift at school, which is soap shaped like a fish.
The Old Man talks about his friend who survived a major snowstorm with a flat tire tire on the side of the road.
Ralphie and friends buy hot dogs which make them sick stomachs after eating too quickly.
The family brings home a Christmas tree which turns out to be quite small and sparse, disappointing Ralphie initially.
The Old Man battles his troublesome furnace, leading to a comedic and frustrating experience.
Ralphie sees the school Christmas play, where his friend Flick gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole.
Ralphie writes a heartfelt letter to Santa, asking for the Red Ryder BB gun.
Ralphie is bullied by Scut Farkus and the gang, leading to a memorable fight scene.
Flick gets his tongue stuck on the frozen flagpole, becoming a memorable moment.
The family sits down for a traditional Christmas dinner, experiencing humorous mishaps.
On Christmas morning, Ralphie finally gets the Red Ryder BB gun he wished for.
Ralphie's younger brother mimics Flick's tongue trick on the flagpole.
