A Christmas Story is one of the classic holiday movies that people watch year after year. While it wasn’t a huge success when it was released in theaters in 1983, it has become a huge favorite largely because of its humorous elements as well as elements of nostalgia.
However, while there might be some things about this movie that makes it a classic that will stand the test of time, there are other things about it that haven’t aged very well at all. Here are five things from A Christmas Story that haven’t aged well as well as five things that will always be timeless.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THE GENDER ROLES
While this film might have been released in 1983, the story itself is actually set in the early 1940s. As such, there are a lot of things about how society worked back then that are very different than today. One of the noticeable differences is how much gender role differentiation there was back then.
The fact that Ralphie’s father clearly rules the roost while his mother seems to have to tiptoe around him is rather uncomfortable to watch. It’s clear that the roles between mom and dad are completely separate, and this doesn’t hold up well.
TIMELESS: IT REALLY CAPTURES WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE A KID
While there are many Christmas movies out there that try to focus on the feelings of being a child around the holiday season, A Christmas Story gets it right in ways that other movies don’t.
While it does focus on things like the magic and wonder of the season, it also focuses on how frustrating it can be a kid. Ralphie doesn’t have a lot of control over the things in his life he wants, and it definitely captures what it’s like to be a kid and to wish you had more power.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THE CHILD ABUSE
How parents raised their children back in the 40s and even in the 80s is definitely different than it is today, but this doesn’t mean treating children badly back then was all right. There are a few instances of problematic behavior towards children in this movie.
The first is the classic scene where Ralph is forced to eat soap. However, this looks mild when compared to the fact that Ralphie’s friend Schwartz is heard over the phone getting beaten up, but nothing is done about this.
TIMELESS: THE EXCITEMENT OF REALLY WANTING SOMETHING ON CHRISTMAS
While other Christmas movies might be all about holiday things that aren’t material, A Christmas Story captures the fact that a lot of kids are mostly just thrilled to be getting something special under their tree.
Ralphie’s excitement and fervor about getting the Red Ryder BB gun is definitely relatable to any person who, as a kid, really wanted something for the holidays.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: THE LEG LAMP IS KIND OF MESSED UP
The leg lamp that Ralphie’s father gets as a prize is one of the most legendary moments from the movie. This lamp has inspired a lot of merchandise, and it’s definitely very memorable.
The lamp is extremely funny, but it’s also kind of messed up. While an adult enjoying it is fine, it’s pretty weird that he insisted on putting it up so that kids and the entire neighborhood could see. Plus, the fact that he ignored the fact that his wife was uncomfortable isn’t a good thing at all.
TIMELESS: SOME TRULY HILARIOUS JOKES
There’s no denying that this movie is really funny. There are a lot of smaller hilarious moments that don’t even get talked about as much as such as when Ralphie’s younger brother, Randy, gets so wrapped up in snow gear that he can barely walk.
Also, there’s the iconic scene when Ralphie has to dress up in a bunny suit, and this will never not be funny.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: HOW ANGRY RALPHIE’S DAD WAS ALL THE TIME
It’s clear that even in the 80s, when this movie was made that seeing a parent who was angry often was seen as mostly funny. Ralphie’s dad was clearly someone that his kids were afraid of to some extent.
Ralphie’s mother had to lie about things the kids did to ensure that their dad didn’t get too angry. Plus, the father was often raging and swearing even over little things. This is definitely not a healthy dynamic to have in a family.
TIMELESS: THERE ARE SOME HEARTWARMING MOMENTS
Of all the holiday movies out there, A Christmas Story isn’t necessarily the most saccharine. It’s a bit more realistic about some of the less than beautiful moments of the holiday season, and it’s funnier that super sweet.
However, there are also some heartwarming moments, such as when Ralphie gets the present he wanted so badly or the pretty scene at the very end with the snow falling.
HAVEN’T AGED WELL: RACISM AT THE CHINESE RESTAURANT
One of the scenes that most obviously seems out of place and messed up to an audience today is when the family goes for their Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
There are clearly many stereotypes of Chinese people shown in this scene, including making fun of accents and the type of food that is served. It’s definitely hard to watch.
TIMELESS: IT SHOWS THAT CHRISTMAS DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE GOOD
While A Christmas Story might not paint a picture of a completely idyllic holiday season as the family doesn’t always get along and stressful things happen, it shows that this is all right. The holiday season doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect to still be good.
There can be mess-ups such as dogs eating your turkey, and you can still make the best of things and enjoy being around people you care about.