Our Favorite Christmas Movies: #4 A Christmas Story

Last week, Georgia Small shared why she connects with “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This week, Eric Neubauer shares his love for “A Christmas Story” and how the Cleveland setting reminds him of his family’s upper midwest roots.

“I can’t remember when I first saw the movie, but I identified with it right away and connected immediately with the family eating dinner together, the mother serving everyone, and the dad fighting the furnace. I immediately felt like I journeyed home to my parent’s and grandparents’ houses.”

Interestingly, the family depicted in the movie could have been very different from the one we all know and love. Jack Nicholson almost played Ralphie’s dad. And that weird kid in the googles waiting in line for Santa? He was actually just some weird kid the director thought would be fun to throw into the scene.

“I love the scene at the end when the family finds itself at the Chinese restaurant eating duck and laughing—especially at the cultural and language differences,” Eric said.

If you take to trip to Cleveland today, the house featured in the movie is a museum-perfect replica, freezing the film in time.

“I love Christmas and the hopeful anticipation that goes along with giving and receiving gifts. I think this movie speaks to me because it does a great job sharing the story of a typical, American family,” Eric said.

“I think kids and parents alike can identify with all the elements of the story. From the ups and downs of living in a neighborhood, the desire for adventure, the hope that Santa will deliver something truly special, and the most important thing, just being together.”