The best movies have a few things in common.

Memorable scenes, quotable lines, characters you root for, an engaging story, and timeless appeal.

And if that movie also happens to be a Christmas movie, well, then it's all but destined to become a Christmas classic.

In 1983, moviegoers were introduced to Little Ralphie Parker,

an Indiana schoolboy who wanted just one thing for Christmas, a Red Rider BB gun. And in the 34

years since its release, a Christmas story has become one of America's favorite holiday films.

You might even say it's become a modern Christmas tradition.

And it's taken on a life beyond itself.

What with the 24-hour marathon and the various merchandise and stage adaptations and sequels?

The house in the movie was made into a museum,

and there's even a bronze statue of flick licking the flagpole at the Indiana Welcome Center. It's hard to imagine it now, but the movie

wasn't a big success at first. In fact, it was already gone from theaters by the time Christmas

of 1983 rolled around. Its popularity grew organically from word of mouth and a little help along the

way from the VHS tape. So put on your pink bunny onesie because I triple dog dare you to learn

the history behind a modern classic. I'm Brian Earl. This is Christmas Past.

There are just so many memorable lines from the movie.

I double dog dare you.

You'll shoot your eye out.

Fragyle.

Oh, fudge.

Electric sex gleaming in the window.

There's more, but you get the point.

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