Complete Parents' Guide to A Christmas Story
2/18/2025
What is A Christmas Story?
A movie beloved by some as a “classic” that captures the essence of childhood, the 1983 film, A Christmas Story, was loosely based on Jean Shepherd's tales of growing up in a small midwestern town in the 1930s and 1940s. The story follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a middle-class suburban American family while longing desperately for a Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas. The film is known for its nostalgic depiction of holiday traditions, childhood fantasies, and family dynamics.
What are A Christmas Story’s Themes?
The film touches on various themes relevant to both children and adults, including:
- Childhood Innocence: Ralphie's yearning for a BB gun reflects childhood innocence and dreams.
- Family Dynamics: Ralphie’s interactions with his family members (Mom, Dad, younger brother) strike chords that will be familiar to many families, from protective parents to sibling rivalry.
- Social Interactions: The film depicts the social landscape of childhood, such as the power of peer pressure (as in the famous tongue-on-flagpole scene) and the fear of bullies (especially Farkus and his sidekick).
- Tradition and Nostalgia: The film captures the spirit of Christmas traditions (a Salvation Army band and red kettle, a Christmas Santa, department store displays, etc.) and the nostalgia that accompanies childhood memories.
Is A Christmas Story an Appropriate Movie For Children?
A Christmas Story" is generally considered appropriate for older children and pre-teens. Though the main character is a child, the film should be categorized as a family film rather than a children's movie. It features some mild profanity and a few themes that may be more relatable to adults (see below), and its historical setting and pacing will lose all but the most patient of younger children.
How Well Does A Christmas Story Hold Up Today?
While the film remains a perennial favorite often praised for its humor, nostalgia, and charm, children of the 80s may have had more connection points than kids today. Ralphie's fascination with the western hero Red Ryder and his exploits still had some resonance (though Gunsmoke had ended its 20-year run in 1975, the short-lived Bret Maverick series had just ended and Little House on the Prairie was concluding its run the year the movie released). Though many of A Christmas Story’s iconic moments, such as the infamous “leg lamp,” have become ingrained in pop culture, the movie’s pacing is agonizingly slow by today's standards, many scenes go on too long, and dated depictions such as gathering around the radio for an episode of Little Orphan Annie may seem inscrutable to today’s kids.
Christian Parents’ Concerns: What Concerns Might a Mom or Dad Have About A Christmas Story?
The film contains some mild profanity and some sexual suggestiveness, though these are mild compared to today’s standards:
Violence: a few scenes involve mild peril. Ralphie and his friends engage in playful fights typical of childhood roughhousing, but no real harm occurs. Ralphie and his friends are also bullied by a schoolmate, which is likely to be familiar with kids of any age and background, but again, no real harm occurs.
Sexual Content: The film contains sexual scenes or content in the film, though there are references to adult themes that younger viewers are likely to miss, such as Ralphie imagining a seductive scenario involving a teacher, and some suggestive conversational snippets.
Substance Use: The film includes only subtle references to adult behavior, such as alcoholic beverages at holiday parties.
Positive Messages: A Christmas Story conveys positive messages, including the warmth and importance of family and community. However, there is no reference in A Christmas Story to religious observance or the birth of Christ.
Parents watching A Christmas Story with younger children may want to:
- Discuss Bullying: Use the scenes involving bullying to talk about how to handle such situations in real life.
- Explain Humor: Some jokes and scenarios may need clarification for younger audiences, especially Ralphie’s fantasies.
- Highlight Family Values: Discuss the importance of family traditions and the memories they create during the holiday season; compare and contrast with observances your family finds important.
How Can I Watch A Christmas Story?
A Christmas Story is available for purchase or rent on many streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime, AppleTV, and Max. It is also likely to air on TBS, TNT, and other broadcast venues.
How Does TruPlay Games Approach the Christmas Story?
The days and weeks leading up to Christmas are always a great opportunity to celebrate the season by enjoying family time and quality entertainment. Whatever entertainment decisions you make for your family, you can help your children experience the full meaning of Christmas by downloading (for free!) and turning to the TruPlay Games app. Among the many unique features of the TruPlay app is a series of short videos that depict Rhymverse characters such as Maple the tiger bunny and Oliver the biblical fox talking about “How to Christmas,” “The Best Gift Ever,” and more. The app also offers an Action Bible digital comic book telling the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, complete with rich full-color illustrations.
TruPlay's website (TruPlayGames.com) clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay. Explore the following links to unlock a richer Christmas experience for your kids: