As is often the case, the book is better than the movie.
As I watched it the first time, being very familiar with the written stories, I kept waiting for my favorite moments, many of which never came. I was very disappointed.
Example:
When Ralphie was sitting on Santa’s lap, he observed:
“Santa smoked Camels, like my Uncle Charles.”
LOL yea a lot is left out. I also liked his story about the Polish Wedding. Pricelass.