“A Christmas Story” Museum Employee Loses Wedding Ring

More than 40 years after its release, A Christmas Story still holds up as one of the most classic holiday films of all time. The heartwarming, humorous movie follows Ralphie Parker’s attempts at navigating the relationships in his life (particularly with his quirky family and taunting bully) and convincing everyone that a BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift for him. The beloved motion picture has even inspired a museum, The House From A Christmas Story based in Cleveland, Ohio, which is dedicated to preserving memorabilia from the movie, so fans can get an inside look at Ralphie’s world. While the museum brings joy to many visitors, a holiday mishap happened to one of the employees: He accidentally lost his wedding ring while packing orders in the gift shop.

After visitors explore the exhibits at The House From A Christmas Story, they can browse and purchase replicas of items seen in the timeless tale from the gift shop (which also has an online shop). A popular piece of merchandise references the infamous leg lamp, a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg—complete with fishnet stockings and stilettos—that Ralphie’s dad wins in a “Major Award” competition. When one of the employees at the museum was packing online orders of leg lamps on Monday, December 9, 2024, his wedding ring accidentally slipped off of his finger—and he still hasn’t found it.

On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, the Cleveland-based museum posted a public service announcement on its Instagram and Facebook pages, asking the public to help one of its employees find his priceless wedding ring. “If you’ve recently placed an order with us through RedRiderLegLamps or Cleveland Street Novelties, please take a moment to check your package for his ring,” the message urges its followers. “If you happen to find it, please contact us support@redriderleglamps.com. Your help would mean the world to him—and to us! Thank you so much for your support and holiday spirit!”

To give their customers an indication of what they’re looking for, they also posted a photo of its employee’s wedding ring. The first image in the carousel showcases the thick, black-coated band (likely made of titanium) nestled in a bed of flowers, along with a diamond-encrusted band and engagement ring. The next picture in the collection highlights a closeup of the missing bauble, which has a technicolor interior that changes colors in the light. 

Some of the museum’s 15,200 Instagram followers saw the message and shared their support. “Oh, this is so sad,” one person expressed. “I hope someone finds it and is kind enough to send it back. ❤️🤞🏻.” Another commented, “Praying and sending good vibes ! Hope to see a Christmas miracle post that it’s found soon.”

The museum’s Facebook post has garnered 67 shares and 23 comments, many of which offer encouragement and reassurance. Some of those who ordered a leg lamp noted that they would check their package as soon as possible. “I got an order today. I’ll check as soon as I can,” someone wrote. Others even lightened the mood by cracking a joke. “I don’t think that someone else’s wedding band is a very good Christmas present,” another quipped, to which the museum replied, “He is very sad it came off in a box while packing, we’re hoping someone finds it!!”