where was christmas story based

Christmas Story was based on an autobiographical short story written by Jean Shepherd in the 1960s. The story was adapted into a popular holiday movie in 1983, directed by Bob Clark and starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, the main character. The story follows Ralphie, a young boy growing up in the 1940s who desperately wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas but has to deal with his family and the teasing from his peers when they find out about his desire.