More Than Words by Nikki

It finally happened. A New Christmas movie that will become a classic. This morning as I sat down with my coffee, I turned on HBO max to see if there was anything new. I saw the big picture on the screen and wondered if I was still dreaming. Ralphie? Is that you? Grown up Ralphie Parker standing in front of the classic house from the original movie with the words “A Christmas Story Christmas” written above in a familiar font. I was suspicious, it’s probably just a walk down memory lane with the cast talking about their experiences on the old film. I clicked on it anyway and hit play.

My heart swelled like the Grinch learning the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a continuation of the story! It really is Ralphie, all grown up and struggling through life and the holidays. He is one of us! I watched the whole thing without picking up my phone to scroll through social media. I smiled as his sweet mom came on the screen, older and wiser but still funny with good intentions for her kids. I waited for the lines we love to pop in, I knew somewhere someone would get triple dog dared to do something stupid and laughed when it happened. All of the important players made an appearance, with the exception of Old Man Parker played Darren McGavin who passed away in 2006. Even though he was not there his presence was felt throughout the film.

I am not going to give away the story, it meant too much for me to see it unfold in the same fun manner as the original. What I will say is this; “A Christmas Story Christmas” stands out in a time where Christmas movies are a dime a dozen, and you have to invent a drinking game to get through the repetition of stories in these movies. It brings back memories and creates all new ones. I have personally been watching Ralphie almost shoot his eye out for 39 years and feel like this new movie completes the story so beautifully and opens your eyes to the reason the original was told in the first place. I can’t lie, the end made me cry a little, not sob mind you but there were serious tears in my eyes and a smile on my face.

If you were wondering if it would live up to its tremendous legacy. You can stop wondering. Tonight, get out that pink bunny onesie you have hiding in the closet, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa and sit down and enjoy this new favorite with the entire family. I will be over here watching it again and thanking the entire cast for saving Christmas movies in 2022.