things to know about the christmas story

One important thing is the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. It's a central part of the story. Mary, a virgin, was chosen to give birth to Jesus. And the three wise men followed a star to find the baby Jesus and brought him gifts like gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

A lot of people don't realize that the movie is semi - autobiographical. The author, Jean Shepherd, drew from his own childhood experiences in Indiana, which added a lot of authenticity to the story. There were many little details in his life that made their way into the film, like the school bully and the daydreams of the main character. This gives the movie a sense of nostalgia that many viewers can relate to.

One thing could be that many Christmas stories have their roots in ancient winter solstice traditions. For example, the idea of bringing evergreen plants indoors was originally a pagan symbol of life during the cold, dark winter months. Another might be that the character of Santa Claus has evolved over time. He was originally based on Saint Nicholas, a real person known for his generosity, but has taken on different appearances and characteristics in various cultures around the world. Also, in some Christmas stories, the significance of the Christmas star is often overlooked. It was not just a bright object in the sky but was seen as a symbol of hope and guidance, much like it led the wise men to Jesus in the biblical Christmas story.

One thing you might not know is that many of the Christmas traditions we have today have roots in pagan festivals. For example, decorating Christmas trees was originally a way to celebrate the winter solstice. Also, the story of Santa Claus is based on a real person, Saint Nicholas, who was known for his generosity. Another interesting fact is that the Christmas carol 'Jingle Bells' was actually written for Thanksgiving at first.

A little - known aspect is the significance of the food in the movie. The Christmas dinner scenes, with the turkey and all the trimmings, were not just there for show. They were a way to depict the family traditions and the warmth of the holiday season. The way the family interacted around the dinner table was very characteristic of many American families during Christmas, and it added to the overall charm of the film.

For kids, it's fun to know about the animals at the manger. There were probably cows and donkeys there when Jesus was born. Also, the star that led the wise men was really bright and special.

Well, it could be that the Christmas story has different versions in different languages. For instance, in some languages, the names of the characters and the way the story is told can vary quite a bit. Another aspect is that the Christmas story often has a strong element of family. It's a time when families come together, and this is reflected in many Christmas stories. Also, in some Christmas tales, the idea of magic is very prominent. Whether it's the magic of Santa's sleigh flying through the air or the magic of the Christmas spirit that can change people's hearts.

A not - so - known fact is that Mary and Joseph likely had to travel a long way to Bethlehem for the census. This journey was no easy feat, especially considering Mary was pregnant. Another thing is that the shepherds who were visited by the angels were probably outcasts in society at that time. But they were the first to be told about the birth of Jesus.

One of the iconic things is Santa Claus. He is the jolly figure in red who brings gifts to children all over the world on Christmas Eve. Another is the Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Also, Christmas stockings are iconic. They are hung by the fireplace, waiting to be filled with small presents and treats.

The best thing is the nostalgia it brings. It takes you back to a simpler time. The story is also really heartwarming with the family's Christmas experiences. And the characters are very memorable, like Ralphie and his quest for the Red Ryder BB gun.