The film was based on a series of short stories and novels written by Jean Shepherd about young Ralphie Parker (played by Peter Billingsley) and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun from Santa Claus.
Filmen er baseret på en række romaner og noveller skrevet af Jean Shepherd om unge Ralphie Parker (spillet af Peter Billingsley) og hans søgen efter en Red Ryder BB pistol fra julemanden.