Christmas Past
Behind every Christmas tradition is a story, often a forgotten one. Every year as we put up a tree and pour the eggnog, we’re continuing generations-old narratives, while being mostly unaware of their starting chapters.
Join Brian Earl to explore the fascinating stories behind the most wonderful time of the year. It's equal parts nerdy deep dive and warmhearted celebration. Think: NPR meets Clement Clarke Moore!
Christmas Past is one of the longest running Christmas podcasts, now in its tenth season. Vanity Fair says: "With excellent production, engaging narration, and short, digestible running times, Christmas Past is perfect to put on while decorating your tree or preparing Christmas dinner."
Brian is the author of two books about Christmas: Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025) and Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022). Both are available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook (narrated by the author). Find them wherever books are sold.
Christmas Past
Story Time: The Mistress in Black
Happy Halloween, everyone! 👻🎃 And welcome to the 2025 pre-season for Christmas Past.
For the past several years now, we've kicked off the pre-season with a ghost story from my friends at Biblioasis Publishing. They publish a series of three ghost stories for Christmas every year, beautifully designed and illustrated by the acclaimed artist known only as Seth. Today, I'm narrating Rosemary Temperley's short story, "The Mistress in Black."
Check These Out 🎄
- Biblioasis Publishing's Ghost Stories for Christmas
- My latest book: Of Christmases Long, Long Ago
- More ways to connect with Christmas Past
Music in this Episode 🎼
- "Autumn Halloween" — Sound Garage, via Pixabay
- "Ambient Background Pad" — Siarhei Korbut via Pixabay
Order your copy today! Of Christmases Long, Long Ago
Connect with Me
- Links to all the things https://christmaspastpodcast.com/links
- Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com
Books
Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past (2025, Lyons Press and Recorded Books) It's Christmas as you've never seen it before, and it makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life.
Christmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions (2022, Lyons Press and Recorded Books)