when did christmas story take place

The classic film A Christmas Story is set in the early 1940s, most commonly pinned to around 1940 in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana (based on Jean Shepherd’s hometown of Hammond).

Setting and Time Period

• The movie shows clear World War II–era details: Ovaltine radio shows, department-store Santa, and period cars and clothing, all pointing to the early 1940s.

• Fans and many film historians typically narrow it to about 1940, since the Little Orphan Annie decoder and other product references match that timeframe.

In-Universe Location

• The story takes place in the fictional Midwestern town of Hohman, Indiana , which is modeled on author Jean Shepherd’s real hometown of Hammond, Indiana.

• Snowy streets, the local school, and the department store Higbee’s all reinforce a small Midwestern city in that era.

Why the Exact Year Feels Vague

• Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic storytelling blends several childhood memories from the late 1930s to early 1940s, which makes the movie feel like a composite “perfect Christmas” rather than a precise historical date.

• Because of this, details do not all line up to one exact calendar year, but they consistently stay in that early-1940s window.

Meta description: Learn when A Christmas Story takes place, why most people say it’s set around 1940, and how its nostalgic World War II–era details shape the film’s timeless Christmas vibe.

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