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
The Hero of Dear Old Halifax
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
A tragic accident at Christmastime in 1917 gives way to a story of a heroic response, a lasting friendship, and a unique Christmas tradition.
Read Walter's letter to Harold, described in this story.
Music in this Episode
- "Carrier's Lullaby" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive
- "Quiet Serenity" — Lite Saturation, via Free Music Archive
- "Stay the Course" — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
- "Oh Christmas Tree" — Don Maue, shared directly by the artist
- "Relax Romantic Jazz Calm Soothing Home" — Denis Pavlov, via Pixabay
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)