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
None Appeared More Astonished
A child's Christmas surprise for his family in 1902 became the stuff of myth and legend.
Music in this Episode
- "Crystal Dreams" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
- "Silent Movie" —Anastasia Chubarova, via Pixabay
- "Dreadnaught Files" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- "Cannolini" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- "Lonely Christmas" — Snoozy Beats, via Free Music Archive
- "Calm Christmas Piano" — Clavier Clavier, 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)