This movie was one of Mary's first projetcs and it has remained 'special' for her. In December 2018, Ms. McLeod was honored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, for her Costume Design work on 'A Christmas Story'.
 
The movie has gained 'cult classic' status and in 2006, 'A Christmas Story House' opened as a museum for costumes and props actually used during production.
 
The museum, located at 3159 W 11th Street in Cleveland Ohio, is housed in the actual Parker house from the movie.
 
Superfan Brian Jones bought the house for $150,000 on eBay in 2005 and spent an additional $350,000 to restore the inside and the outside to look exactly as it did in the movie.
 
In 2012, the U.S. Library of Congress declared 'A Christmas Story' to be "culturally, historically and aesthetically significant," and it was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
 
Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences Hosts 35th Anniversary Screening of 'A Christmas Story'
Photo: Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences Hosts 35th Anniversary Screening of 'A Christmas Story'
Left - Right:  Scott Schwartz- Melinda Dillon - Mary McLeod - Peter Billingsley - Reuben Freed