During the holiday season, there are certain entertainment traditions that are simply inseparable from the festivities. These include beloved characters like Rudolph, Frosty, the Grinch, and of course, Ralphie.

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who's watching 24 hours of A Christmas Story??? pic.twitter.com/0NFoi3V9HJ
— Nice List Santa Stan🎄🎅 (@BasedSCOTUSstan) December 25, 2023

24 hours of A Christmas Story

Ralphie, the eager child who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun as a gift, even in the face of the infamous cautionary phrase "You'll shoot your eye out," has become a familiar presence in homes during the yuletide season. This is largely thanks to the now-established tradition of TBS and TNT airing a continuous 24-hour marathon of A Christmas Story, which commences on Christmas Eve at 8pm ET and continues until Christmas Day.

A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983)
dir. Bob Clark
starring Melinda Dillon, Darren
McGavin and Peter Billingsley pic.twitter.com/QhyMT4ssOt
— Classic Movies & TV Shows (@ClassicFilmTV) December 24, 2023

A Christmas Story (1983) Movie

The 1983 comedy, based on a novel by Jean Shepherd, moved a young Peter Billingsley to stardom. Over the years, Billingsley has ventured into filmmaking, often collaborating with his close friend Vince Vaughn. He directed the movie Couples Retreat and served as an executive producer for films like Four Christmases and the TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son. Despite his busy schedule, the now 52-year-old Billingsley, who was 41 at the time of this interview in 2012, still holds a special place in his heart for A Christmas Story, a sentiment shared by many others. He recognizes the unwavering fan base that the film has gained over the years, with people who adore it and can quote it, making it a cherished part of their Christmas traditions.

TBS marathon / TBS family

Billingsley reflects on his involvement in the TBS marathon of the film, also starring Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon as Ralphie’s parents — and featuring iconic elements such as a leg lamp, pink bunny pajamas, and a daring tongue-on-flagpole challenge. He acknowledges the intrusion of being in people's houses for 24 hours and expresses gratitude for being part of the TBS family. Billingsley confesses that the movie tends to play at his house during Christmas gatherings, not just because he is in it but because it has become a cherished tradition enjoyed by both family and children. It has been a sufficient amount of time such that it appears somewhat regular when it is displayed on the television in the kitchen, and you simply become aware of it as you pass by while fetching some additional coffee.

A Christmas Story 2

Additionally, there is also a sequel to A Christmas Story, titled A Christmas Story 2, which was released directly on DVD and Blu-ray by Warner Home Video. However, Billingsley openly admits that he is not very interested in this sequel, saying, "The original film was as good as it could be in that format, so why would you ever try to improve upon it?" Instead, he is more focused on a stage adaptation of A Christmas Story that had its Broadway debut in 2012, in which he is one of the producers.

Musical Adaptation

The 2012 musical adaptation stars Braeden Lemasters, Valin Shinyei, David W. Thompson, Flick, and David Michael Paul. Describing the musical, Billingsley says, "It's a big, full-blown musical. When I heard about it, I found myself creatively inspired and wanting to be a part of it. After listening to some of the score, the producers and I met and made some changes, which worked out well. I felt like I had a lot to contribute to it, and so far, everything has been going well. We had successful runs in Seattle and Chicago, and now we are on Broadway."

A Christmas Story

Bob Clark, the late director of A Christmas Story, guide actor Peter Billingsley in his off-camera pursuits. This connection kept them close as the reputation of the movie grew over time, much like It's a Wonderful Life becoming a holiday staple. Despite originally having a mediocre profit in theaters, A Christmas Story found its audience through home video. If there wasn't a crowded Christmas season the following year, the film would have a chance for a re-release. In 2022, Billingsley, Scott Schwartz, and R.D. Robb reunited for A Christmas Story Christmas.

According to Billingsley, cable and video didn't play a significant role during that time. As I grew older and no longer fit the age group for casting in other projects, the film's popularity continued to increase. It's wonderful to have been a part of the movie and witness its growth. You never anticipate such remarkable success.

According to Remind Magazine.