Jean Shepherd in the 'Jean Shepherd Christmas Story' is the creative force behind the story. He was likely drawing on his own childhood experiences during Christmas. His descriptions are so detailed that you can almost feel like you're there with Ralphie, experiencing the joys and challenges of Christmas in that era. He's the one who weaves together all the elements of the story, from the family scenes to the Christmas shopping trips.
Jean Shepherd in 'Jean Shepherd A Christmas Story' is the storyteller. He shares his memories or fictionalized accounts of a boy's Christmas. He has a unique style of narration that gives the story its charm. His observations and descriptions of the characters, events, and the overall Christmas atmosphere are what make the story so engaging.
His novel 'Glamorama' is also very good. It satirizes the fashion and celebrity - obsessed culture. It's filled with glamour, paranoia, and a sense of the absurd as the main character gets caught up in a world of models, parties, and international intrigue.
It depends. Sometimes a story labeled as 'Shepherd' could be based on real events, but it might also be purely fictional. You'd need to look at the source and author's notes to be sure.